United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced on July 22 that Tigh Bagola, a 42-year-old man from Fort Thompson, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison after being convicted of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte on July 20.
Bagola will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2025 and pleaded guilty on April 20, 2026.
The conviction is related to an incident that occurred in July 2023 on the Crow Creek Sioux Indian Reservation. According to the announcement, Bagola encountered victims while walking in Fort Thompson, South Dakota, argued with them, brandished a handgun, fired it in their direction, and then fled the scene.
Parsons said the case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act requires certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian Country be prosecuted federally rather than at the state level. This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and reducing violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies.
The investigation involved the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services – Crow Creek Agency. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case. Bagola was immediately remanded into custody following sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota is responsible for enforcing federal laws throughout its district as well as handling both criminal prosecutions and civil cases; it serves as chief federal law enforcement office for South Dakota while supporting initiatives intended to improve public safety and quality of life across communities within its jurisdiction, according to the official website.