Rapid City Woman Sentenced to Over 2 Years in Federal Prison for Illegally Possessing a Firearm as a Convicted Felon

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, South Dakota, woman convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on May 26, 2026.

Judith Brewer, 40, was sentenced to two years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Brewer was indicted for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in December 2025. She pleaded guilty on March 4, 2026.

In November 2025, law enforcement responded to a residence in Rapid City after a person reported that Brewer was at her home and unwanted. Brewer had since fled to another home, where deputies found her hiding along with a bag she had taken from the reporting party. Brewer was arrested on outstanding warrants and found to be in possession of a 9mm pistol. Brewer knew she was prohibited from possessing firearms based on her having a prior felony conviction.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Pennington County Sheriff's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted the case.

Brewer was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.