A Sioux Falls man, Joseph Carpenter, was sentenced on March 23 to two years and six months in federal prison for possession of ammunition by a prohibited person, according to an announcement from United States Attorney Ron Parsons. Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court handed down the sentence.
The case is significant as it highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement and the Department of Justice to address gun-related offenses committed by individuals with prior felony convictions.
Carpenter, age 38, will also serve three years of supervised release following his prison term and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2025 and pleaded guilty on January 2, 2026.
According to court documents, law enforcement searched a hotel room where Carpenter had been staying on February 13, 2025. During this search, officers discovered various types of ammunition. Because Carpenter has a previous felony conviction, he is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. After sentencing, Carpenter was immediately remanded into custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative that combines resources from several Department of Justice programs including Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN efforts in South Dakota aim to reduce gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement agencies and local communities.
