Rapid City Woman Sentenced to 5 Years in Federal Prison for Obstructing Justice by Retaliating Against Witness

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Rapid City, woman convicted of Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness. The sentencing took place on January 30, 2026.

Vanessa Highpipe, 31, was sentenced to five years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Highpipe was indicted for Obstructing Justice by Retaliation Against a Witness by a federal grand jury in May 2025. She pleaded guilty on November 10, 2025.

Highpipe assaulted the victim in April 2025 with a closed fist causing minor injuries after encountering the victim in Rapid City. Highpipe's victim previously testified in a federal jury trial where Highpipe's romantic partner was convicted of distribution of fentanyl resulting in death in March 2025. Following the assault, Highpipe made statements to others admitting that she assaulted the victim because of the trial testimony.

This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET). UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, the Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay prosecuted the case.

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