NOVEMBER 2023:
A U.S. District Court judge has sentenced an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man convicted of Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Anthony Lawrence Collins, age 40, was sentenced to 12 months and one day in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.
Collins was convicted in federal court of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in 2003. His firearms rights have not been restored. On July 23, 2022, in Eagle Butte, the police observed Collins holding a shotgun. They arrested Collins and seized the shotgun. Collins knew he had been convicted of a felony and could not possess firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
This case was investigated by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.
OCTOBER 2022:
A federal jury has determined there is enough evidence to charge a 39 year old man from Eagle Butte with Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm.
Anthony Lawrence Collins, Sr., age 39, pleaded not guilty.
The Indictment alleges Collins unlawfully possessed a firearm on March 12, 2021 and on July 23, 2022. Both incidents occurred in Dewey County, South Dakota.
These charges are merely accusations and Collins is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm is 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The investigation is being conducted by Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem is prosecuting the case.
Collins has been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending further hearing.
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