United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the sentencing of Derrick Patton, a resident of Rapid City, South Dakota, for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down the sentence on December 6, 2024.

Patton, aged 42, received a four-year federal prison term followed by three years of supervised release. Additionally, he was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The case began with Patton's indictment by a federal grand jury in May 2024, leading to his guilty plea on September 16, 2024. The initial incident occurred on March 13, 2024, when the Rapid City Police Department responded to reports of Patton being unconscious in a running vehicle for several hours. Upon waking him and confirming his identity, officers discovered he had an outstanding felony arrest warrant and had violated parole terms.

During the encounter, Patton was found with a Ruger 9mm pistol and ammunition reported stolen from Pine Ridge, South Dakota. He also possessed methamphetamine baggies. Due to a prior felony conviction, Patton is prohibited from possessing firearms.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. "On May 26, 2021," stated the Department regarding its strategy for PSN, "the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities; supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place; setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities; and measuring the results."

The investigation involved both the Rapid City Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Heather Knox led the prosecution.

Following sentencing, Patton was remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.