A Lower Brule, South Dakota man has been sentenced to federal prison for possessing a firearm while using drugs. U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte sentenced Stephen Biviano Zapata, aged 28, to two years and three months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, Zapata is required to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Zapata was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2024 and pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025. The conviction resulted from a traffic stop on March 27, 2024, in the Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservation. Law enforcement officials discovered that Zapata had an outstanding tribal arrest warrant. During his arrest, officers found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and an AR-style semi-automatic rifle with ammunition in his possession. Zapata admitted to using methamphetamine and tested positive for the drug.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The Department launched a strategy on May 26, 2021, to strengthen PSN based on principles such as fostering community trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
The investigation was conducted by the FBI, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Office of Justice Services at Lower Brule Agency, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Following sentencing, Zapata was remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.