Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
A federal jury in Sioux Falls has found Boru Guye Wako, Jr., 39, guilty of two firearm-related charges. The United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the conviction following a two-day trial in federal district court. The verdict was delivered on July 1, 2025.
Wako was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person and Illegal Receipt of a Firearm by a Person Under Indictment. The first charge carries a maximum penalty of up to 15 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, along with three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The second charge could result in up to five years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, with two years of supervised release and another $100 special assessment.
The indictment against Wako originated from an incident on March 8, 2023. Detectives from the Sioux Falls Police Department attempted to stop a vehicle reported stolen. The driver evaded law enforcement but was later identified as Wako after fleeing on foot and stealing another vehicle. Upon apprehension, detectives found a Ruger LCP .380 handgun in the initial stolen vehicle's driver-side door; it had been reported stolen days earlier. Forensic analysis confirmed Wako's DNA on the gun barrel.
As a convicted felon under indictment for other felonies at that time, Wako was prohibited from possessing firearms.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen joined U.S. Attorney Ramsdell in prosecuting.
A presentence investigation is underway with sentencing scheduled for September 22, 2025. Wako remains in custody under the U.S. Marshals Service.
