A Bismarck woman has been sentenced to two years in federal prison for possessing a firearm while being prohibited from doing so. The sentencing was announced by United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell and took place on January 3, 2025, under U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.
Summer Rae Trotter, aged 34, received her sentence along with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Trotter was indicted in December 2023 and pleaded guilty on October 23, 2024.
The case originated when an officer from the Rapid City Police Department found Trotter in possession of a firearm in Rapid City. Due to previous felony convictions, she is federally barred from owning or possessing firearms.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a strategy enhancing PSN with principles such as fostering community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives alongside the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anna Lindrooth prosecuted the case.
Following her sentencing, Trotter was remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.