May 2026:
U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Manderson, South Dakota, man convicted of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson. The sentencing took place on May 18, 2026.
Reno Rondeau, age 52, was sentenced to serve the remainder of his life in federal prison for the convictions and ordered to pay $400 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024. He was found guilty of the charges following a three-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City on February 5, 2026.
In October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly. Sadly, Ms. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, perished in the fire. While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
“This was a truly horrific crime and we grieve for the victims and their loved ones,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “Life in prison was the maximum punishment allowable by law in these circumstances, and we are grateful to the Court for this sentence. Although Reno Rondeau will spend the rest of his life in a federal prison cell, it still somehow does not seem nearly long enough.”
“While no prison term can fill the void left in the lives of Ms. White Butterfly’s family, we hope they will feel a sense of justice having been served, through this sentence,” said FBI Minneapolis Field Office Special Agent in Charge Christopher D. Dotson. “Reno Rondeau will now spend the rest of his life in federal prison where he rightly belongs. FBI Agents, Analysts, and professional staff work tirelessly to find justice for victims of violent crimes and protect our communities. I offer our deepest sympathies to both victims of this horrendous crime and their families.”
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.
The Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen and Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox handled the prosecution.
Rondeau was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
February 2026:
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a federal jury has convicted Reno Rondeau, age 52, of Manderson, South Dakota, of First Degree Felony Murder, Assault With Intent to Commit Arson, Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and Arson, following a 3-day jury trial in federal district court in Rapid City, South Dakota. The verdict was returned on February 5, 2026.
The charges carry a mandatory sentence of life in prison and/or a $250,000 fine and a $400 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Rondeau was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024.
In October 2024, Rondeau intentionally set fire to his brother’s residence near Manderson, South Dakota. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, Tanya White Butterfly. Sadly, Ms. White Butterfly, a former correctional officer with the Oglala Sioux Tribe, perished in the fire. While Rondeau’s brother, John Rondeau, Sr., ultimately escaped the fire, he sustained burn injuries while trying to save White Butterfly’s life. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
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 Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox prosecuted the case along with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 18, 2026. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
January 2025:
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Manderson, South Dakota, man for First Degree Murder, Attempted Murder, and Arson.
Reno Rondeau, age 51, was indicted in December of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on January 3, 2025, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The mandatory penalty upon conviction for first degree murder is life in custody and up to a $250,000 fine and a $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The charges relate to Rondeau intentionally setting fire to and burning his brother’s residence near Manderson in October 2024. When he set the fire, Rondeau knew the home was occupied by his brother and his brother’s friend, who perished in the fire. Rondeau’s brother suffered burn injuries but escaped the flames. The residence was completely destroyed in the fire.
The charges are merely accusations and Rondeau is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
This matter is being 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.
The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox is prosecuting the case.
Rondeau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
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