A man from Rapid City, South Dakota, has been sentenced to over three years in federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell and took place on November 26, 2024, with U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler presiding.
Jordan Running Hawk, aged 21, received a sentence of three years and one month in federal prison. Following his imprisonment, he will be under supervised release for an additional three years. Additionally, he is required to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Running Hawk faced charges after being indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024 for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person. He entered a guilty plea on September 12, 2024.
The case stemmed from an incident in April 2024 when an officer from the Rapid City Police Department stopped Running Hawk's vehicle during a traffic stop. The officer discovered that Running Hawk possessed both a firearm and a magazine loaded with 31 rounds of ammunition. Upon questioning about the firearm, Running Hawk attempted to flee but was soon apprehended and arrested by officers. His previous felony conviction prohibits him from possessing firearms and ammunition.
This legal action is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement actions, and evaluating outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder handled the prosecution.
Following his sentencing, Running Hawk was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.