United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that two people from Sioux Falls, South Dakota have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Obstruction of Justice and False Statement. These indictments are related to the Operation Black Widow case, where ten individuals were arrested and indicted in federal court in May as a result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Lynn Barbara Van Laar, age 64, and Randall Ray Jurgens, a/k/a “Jughead" age 53, were indicted on June 4, 2013. Van Laar made her intial court appearance on June 4, and Jurgens on June 5. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko and pled not guilty to the charges.
The maximum penalty upon conviction for Obstruction of Justice is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine; 3 years of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered. The maximum penalty upon conviction for the False Statement charge is up to 5 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine; 3 years of supervised release; and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
On or about between April 26, 2013 and May 9, 2013, Van Laar and Jurgens allegedly obstructed a federal criminal investigation. Additionally they both told a Federal Bureau of Investigation Special Agent that they did not disclose any information regarding an ongoing federal criminal investigation. Also, Van Laar claimed she did not review any documents related to the investigation.
The charges are merely accusations and Van Laar and Jurgens are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. First Assistant U.S. Attorney Randy Seiler is prosecuting the case.
Both were released with conditions pending trial.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
