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Dupree Man Sentenced to Probation for Possessing a Rifle
Pierre, South Dakota – In a move to reduce violent crime and gun violence, a Dupree man has been sentenced to three years of probation for possessing a firearm as a felon.
According to the court documents, William Vandervier, 38, was found guilty of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. On December 16, 2024, U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte handed down the sentence, ordering Vandervier to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charges stem from an incident on June 26, 2023, when Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to a residence in Dupree. Officers observed Vandervier standing outside and grabbing a rifle from a vehicle. He refused to comply with orders to put down the rifle, and it was only after his brother intervened that the situation was defused. Vandervier was aware that he was prohibited from possessing firearms due to prior felony convictions.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The initiative brings together law enforcement agencies and community organizations to foster trust and legitimacy, support prevention efforts, and set strategic enforcement priorities.
The investigation into Vandervier’s case was conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Ziebach County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.
Vandervier’s sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of possessing firearms as a felon. It is essential for individuals with prior convictions to adhere to the laws and regulations surrounding firearms possession.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons|Public Safety
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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