United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Derrick Patton, a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, has been sentenced to four years in federal prison for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on December 6, 2024.
Patton, aged 42, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and is required to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. His indictment came in May 2024, and he entered a guilty plea on September 16, 2024.
The case began on March 13, 2024, when the Rapid City Police Department responded to a welfare check request for Patton. He was found unconscious in a running vehicle for several hours. Upon awakening him and confirming his identity, officers discovered an outstanding felony arrest warrant against him and that he had absconded from parole. During this encounter, Patton was found with a Ruger 9mm pistol and ammunition reported stolen from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. Additionally, multiple baggies of methamphetamine were discovered in his possession. Due to a prior felony conviction, Patton is prohibited from possessing firearms.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched an enhanced violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021.
The investigation was conducted by the Rapid City Police Department along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox led the prosecution.
Following sentencing, Patton was placed into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.