U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
A man from Watauga, South Dakota, has been sentenced to over 13 years in federal prison after being convicted of possessing a firearm as a felon and assaulting a federal officer. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann delivered the sentence on November 4, 2024.
Justin James Schneider, aged 39, will also face three years of supervised release following his prison term. He has been ordered to pay a $5,000 fine and a $125 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Additionally, his revolver was forfeited.
The case against Schneider began when he was indicted by a federal grand jury in July 2023. His conviction came after a jury trial concluded on August 8, 2024.
The incident leading to Schneider's arrest occurred on June 20, 2023. The Corson County Sheriff’s Office received information that Schneider had discharged a revolver and was considered armed and dangerous. The Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services assisted in locating and attempting to detain him in Bullhead, South Dakota.
During the attempted arrest within the Standing Rock Sioux Indian Reservation, Schneider fled in his pickup truck before engaging in an armed standoff with law enforcement officers from Corson County and the BIA. After striking a police vehicle with his truck en route to the Bullhead Community Center, he exited while brandishing his revolver toward civilians. As he moved toward unarmed children despite police commands to drop his weapon, an officer shot him for public safety reasons. Schneider was subsequently taken into custody without further incident.
Schneider has nine prior felony convictions including aggravated assault and possession of methamphetamine among others.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. Launched by the Department on May 26, 2021, this strategy focuses on fostering community trust and setting strategic enforcement priorities.
The investigation involved multiple agencies including the FBI, Corson County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services with Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuting the case.
Following sentencing, Schneider was remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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