Eagle Butte Man Pleads Guilty to Firearms Charge

U.S. Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Louden Garreau, age 25, of Eagle Butte, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on July 31, 2012, and pled guilty to one count of an indictment that charged him with possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 10 years’ imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, or both.

The conviction stems from an incident in April 2012 when Garreau had in his possession a 9mm Hi-Point, semi-automatic handgun, loaded, with extra ammunition. He and his girlfriend drove to the cemetery, where he shot the gun several times for fun.

Garreau was previously convicted of a felony in Pennington County. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing a firearm.

The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Troy Morley.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for October 22, 2012. Garreau was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.