Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
A Rapid City man has been sentenced to federal prison for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the sentence on May 5, 2025.
Jeremy Highhorse, aged 19, received a sentence of two years and ten months in federal prison. Following his release, he will be subject to three years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Highhorse was indicted in October 2024 by a federal grand jury on charges of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and possession of a stolen firearm. He entered a guilty plea on February 11, 2025.
The case dates back to April 2024 when law enforcement responded to reports of shots fired. Highhorse was identified as the driver of a vehicle that matched descriptions given by witnesses who saw it speeding away from the scene. When officers attempted to stop the vehicle, Highhorse led them on a high-speed chase before being apprehended. A firearm was found inside the vehicle, which Highhorse had discharged that day after stealing it along with the vehicle itself from its owner. Additionally, he was using controlled substances at the time, making his possession of the firearm unlawful.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched an enhanced strategy for PSN focusing on building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives along with the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder prosecuted the case.
Following sentencing, Highhorse was taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
