U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | Official Website
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | Official Website
A St. Francis, South Dakota man has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for assaulting, resisting, and impeding federal officers as well as possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The sentencing of Derek McCloskey, 30, was handed down by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte on September 9, 2025.
McCloskey will also serve four years of supervised release following his prison term. He has been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine, restitution totaling $24,965.83, and a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The charges stem from an incident on May 16, 2024. According to authorities, McCloskey led law enforcement on a nearly two-hour vehicle pursuit through several counties that involved personnel from the United States Marshals Service, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Bennett County Sheriff’s Office. During the chase, McCloskey struck multiple law enforcement vehicles and caused significant damage.
Investigators said that during the pursuit McCloskey and his passenger threw large amounts of methamphetamine and a rifle out of their vehicle. Officers later recovered approximately 25 grams of pure methamphetamine and a rifle. Data obtained from McCloskey’s phone showed involvement in distributing methamphetamine within the Rosebud Indian Reservation.
McCloskey was indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2024 and pleaded guilty on June 2, 2025.
“This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, the Bennett County Sheriff’s Office, the Bureau of Indian Affairs – Office of Justice Services, the U.S. Marshals Service, and the FBI,” according to United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kirk Albertson and Meghan Dilges prosecuted the case.
Following sentencing McCloskey was immediately remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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