JUNE 2024:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal judge has sentenced a Wanblee, South Dakota, man convicted of Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence. The sentencing took place on June 7, 2024.
Francis White Lance, 68, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $100 in restitution and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
White Lance was indicted for Bank Robbery and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence by a federal grand jury in November of 2022. He pleaded guilty on March 20, 2024.
On November 7, 2022, White Lance entered the Lakota Federal Credit Union in Kyle, South Dakota, armed with a semi-automatic rifle, and robbed the credit union. He discharged the rifle during the robbery, firing a bullet over the head of one of the tellers. White Lance fled Kyle but was quickly identified by law enforcement. All but $100 of the money White Lance stole from the credit union was recovered by the FBI following his apprehension. At the sentencing, U.S. District Judge Schreier denounced the “horrible message” White Lance’s actions sent to the community and the damage he inflicted by robbing the credit union.
This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted in Federal court as opposed to State court.
This case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
White Lance was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
FEBRUARY 2023:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Wanblee man for Bank Robbery and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.
Francis White Lance, age 65, pleaded not guilty.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on November 7, 2022, White Lance took money belonging to Lakota Federal Credit Union, located in Kyle, South Dakota. White Lance also brandished and discharged a firearm during the commission of the robbery.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case.
White Lance was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 21, 2023.
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