United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the sentencing of Dakota Jolley, a 28-year-old from Rapid City, South Dakota. Jolley was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to 10 years in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing was concluded on April 11, 2025.
Jolley's sentencing includes three years of supervised release and the requirement to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Initially indicted in February 2024, Jolley entered a guilty plea on January 8, 2025.
The case stems from an incident in November 2023, where Jolley, during a dispute with his spouse, threatened violence including the use of a firearm. He obtained a loaded Springfield Armory, model 1911, .45 caliber semi-automatic pistol, and threatened his spouse with it. Due to prior felony convictions, Jolley is legally prohibited from possessing firearms.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and organized crime while enhancing public safety. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, alongside the Rapid City Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuting.
Following sentencing, Jolley was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.