PIERRE, SD – A brazen burglary at Reloaders Corner, a licensed firearms dealer in Dewey County, has landed three local men in federal court. Weston Clausen, 24, Ford Traversie, 22, and Jalen Ducheneaux, 23, were indicted in January on charges of Theft of Firearms From a Federal Firearm Licensee, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Burglary and Larceny. The incident, which allegedly occurred between August 13-15, 2022, saw multiple firearms and ammunition vanish from the shop, rattling the small South Dakota community.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, the trio is accused of breaking into Reloaders Corner and making off with a significant haul of weaponry. While the exact number and types of firearms stolen have not been publicly released, sources within the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) suggest the stolen guns represent a serious threat to public safety. The investigation, a multi-agency effort, quickly zeroed in on these three suspects.
The defendants have all entered pleas of not guilty. Weston Clausen appeared before Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on January 18, 2023, while Ford Traversie and Jalen Ducheneaux made their appearances on January 25, 2023. Clausen and Traversie were released on bond, meaning they’ll be free pending trial, but Ducheneaux was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service – a clear signal that authorities view him as a flight risk. No trial date has been set as of this writing.
If convicted on all charges, each man faces a hefty penalty: up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine. Beyond incarceration and financial repercussions, the indictment also stipulates three years of supervised release upon completion of any prison sentence, as well as a $400 contribution to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution to Reloaders Corner for the stolen firearms and damages is also a likely outcome, should they be found guilty.
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribal Law Enforcement, the Dewey County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the ATF, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is leading the prosecution, and her office will be tasked with building a solid case against the accused. This case highlights the ongoing problem of illegal firearms trafficking in the region and the coordinated response of law enforcement agencies to combat it.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely allegations at this stage. Clausen, Traversie, and Ducheneaux are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case closely and report on any developments as they unfold, bringing you the unvarnished truth about crime in the heartland.
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