United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced that a Dupree, South Dakota man has been sentenced following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing was conducted by U.S. District Court Judge Eric C. Schulte on December 16, 2024.

The individual, William Vandervier, aged 38, received a sentence of three years' probation and was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Vandervier's legal troubles began when he was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023 and later pleaded guilty on September 25, 2024. The incident leading to his indictment occurred on June 26, 2023. Officers from the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services responded to an incident in Dupree where they observed Vandervier standing outside with a rifle. Despite being ordered to drop the weapon, he held onto it until his brother intervened and took it away. Vandervier was aware that his previous felony convictions prohibited him from possessing firearms.

This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program focuses on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.

The investigation involved the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Ziebach County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Wayne Venhuizen prosecuted the case.