United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced on April 23 that three people have been sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler for separate federal gun crimes in Rapid City.
The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts to address gun violence and uphold public safety through the enforcement of federal firearms laws.
Oscar Ortiz-Romero, a 34-year-old Mexican national, was convicted of possessing a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person. He received a sentence of time served after being held for over a year. Ortiz-Romero was stopped by Box Elder Police on March 15, 2025, for speeding while intoxicated and found with a loaded pistol and ammunition despite being in the country unlawfully. He has been turned over to Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities.
Avalon Gayton, age 23 from Rapid City, was convicted of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person due to her prior felony conviction. She was sentenced to four years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release and must pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Gayton's conviction stemmed from an incident on September 5, 2025, when police discovered she had a pistol during a traffic stop.
Ashton Shaw, age 20 also from Rapid City, received five years in federal prison with three years supervised release after being convicted of receiving a firearm while under indictment for felony charges. On June 12, 2025, officers responded to reports of shots fired from a vehicle; Shaw had been inside the car where police found a stolen pistol with an extended magazine.
“These cases reflect this Administration’s ongoing commitment to reducing gun violence and keeping our communities as safe as they can possibly be,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “It is illegal under federal law for a convicted felon to possess a gun or ammunition, for an illegal alien to possess a gun or ammunition, and for someone under indictment for a felony to acquire a gun or ammunition. If you are aware of a felon in possession of a gun, or any other violation of federal gun laws, please report it to law enforcement right away. You can do so without giving your name and you may well be saving someone’s life.”
These prosecutions are part of Operation Take Back America—a Department of Justice initiative that brings together resources such as Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) with the goal of reducing violent crime through collaboration between all levels of law enforcement.
According to the official website, the U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota supports initiatives that improve public safety and quality of life; enforces federal laws; covers the entire district; serves as chief law enforcement office; handles criminal prosecutions and civil cases; operates as the main prosecutorial office; advances community wellness through its efforts; and traces its roots back to 1861.
The investigations involved Homeland Security Investigations along with local police departments including Box Elder Police Department and Rapid City Police Department—with prosecution led by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Schroeder.
All three defendants were remanded immediately into custody following sentencing.
