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Press Release

Wanblee Man Charged with Bank Robbery

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Wanblee, South Dakota, man for Bank Robbery and Discharge of a Firearm During the Commission of a Crime of Violence.

Francis White Lance, age 65, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on January 10, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, five years of supervised release, and $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on November 7, 2022, White Lance took money belonging to Lakota Federal Credit Union, located in Kyle, South Dakota. White Lance also brandished and discharged a firearm during the commission of the robbery.

The charge is merely an accusation and White Lance is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kelsey Blair is prosecuting the case. 

White Lance was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has been set for March 21, 2023.

Updated January 13, 2023

Topic
Indian Country Law and Justice