SIOUX FALLS — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - South Dakota), published as received.
SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen has been selected to receive the 2026 Director’s Award from the U.S. Department of Justice’s Executive Office for United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in recognition of her Superior Performance in Indian Country for the Department of Justice.
“AUSA Megan Poppen was nominated for her prodigious contribution to the safety of citizens of the Oglala Sioux Tribe,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “For more than a decade, she has prosecuted and convicted hundreds of dangerous defendants who victimized the most vulnerable persons living within the Pine Ridge Reservation. The lives of countless tribal citizens, especially children, are better and safer because of her efforts. She is extremely worthy of this nationwide honor, and we could not be prouder of Megan and her work.”
AUSA Poppen was honored among 183 Department of Justice staff recognized during a ceremony in the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Building, the Justice Department’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., on October 27, 2026, and accepted the award from Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter and EOUSA Director Francey Hakes. Department leadership commended AUSA Poppen for her exceptional work in promoting public safety and safeguarding the communities of the Pine Ridge Reservation through the prosecution of violent crimes, including homicide, sexual abuse, and assaults involving dangerous weapons. This marks the second time AUSA Poppen has received this prestigious award for her exemplary service in Indian Country.
