Winner Man Sentenced for Third Degree Burglary in South Dakota

In a brazen crime that left a community shaken, Anthony Arellano, a 21-year-old man from Winner, South Dakota, has been sentenced for his role in a third degree burglary in Rosebud, South Dakota.

According to court records, on June 1, 2023, Arellano broke into a store in the early morning hours, stealing several hundred dollars’ worth of merchandise. The thief was caught on surveillance video and identified as Arellano, who was arrested at a residence in St. Francis, South Dakota, on June 15, 2023.

The case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuting the case. The matter was prosecuted in federal court due to the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute that mandates certain violent crimes committed in Indian Country be prosecuted in federal court.

Arellano pleaded guilty to the charges on January 8, 2024, and was sentenced to time served from his arrest on June 15, 2023, through June 14, 2024, equal to approximately one year in custody. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and $1,665.00 in restitution.

The judge’s decision to sentence Arellano to time served may seem lenient to some, but experts say it’s a testament to the harsh realities of the justice system. ‘The system is broken,’ said a local crime analyst. ‘We need to take a closer look at how we’re prosecuting these crimes and holding offenders accountable.’

Arellano was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, where he will serve out the remainder of his sentence. The community is breathing a sigh of relief, but for many, the question remains: will this be enough to prevent future crimes in the area?

The case highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for effective law enforcement. As one resident noted, ‘We need to look out for each other and report any suspicious activity to the authorities.’

The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, led by U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell, continues to work tirelessly to bring justice to the people of South Dakota.

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