United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced on March 24 that Lawrence Oakie, an Eagle Butte resident, has been sentenced to one year in federal prison for escaping from custody. The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler on March 23.
The case highlights the consequences of leaving federal custody without permission. Oakie, age 44, was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Oakie was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025 and pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025. According to the announcement, he left Community Alternatives of the Black Hills in May 2025 while finishing his prior sentence and did not return as required. Law enforcement located him at an apartment complex in Rapid City after responding to a service call.
The investigation was conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson.
Oakie was immediately remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following sentencing.
