RAPID CITY — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - South Dakota), published as received.
RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Rapid City, South Dakota, man for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Joseph Hornbeck, age 34, was indicted in November of 2022. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta Wollmann on December 2, 2022, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
In April of 2022, in Rapid City, Hornbeck, a previously convicted felon who is prohibited from possessing firearms, was found in possession of a Calwestco Incorporated, Jennings Trademark, model J-22, .22 Long Rifle caliber, semi-automatic pistol, which was found after Hornbeck came into contact with law enforcement.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The charge is merely an accusation and Hornbeck is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Rapid City Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson is prosecuting the case.
Hornbeck was returned to state custody pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
