Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Over 3 Years in Federal Prison for Possessing a Firearm as a Felon

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on September 28, 2026.

Decimas Jesus Laurelez, 23, was sentenced to three years and three 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.

Laurelez was indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2026. He pleaded guilty on July 27, 2026.

As set forth in court documents, in the early morning hours of January 1, 2026, law enforcement lawfully searched Laurelez's vehicle. In his vehicle, law enforcement located and seized a firearm and marijuana. At that time, the firearm was loaded with ammunition, and it had been reported stolen. In court, Laurelez admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm and ammunition. He also admitted to possessing marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

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 Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

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