Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to 2 years in Federal Prison for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentencing took place on November 2, 2026.

Dakota Thorstenson, 30, was sentenced to 2 years and 6 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.

Thorstenson was indicted for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person by a federal grand jury in May 2026. He pleaded guilty on August 11, 2026.

In April of this year, Thorstenson was the driver of a vehicle involved in two automobile accidents in rapid succession in southern Sioux Falls. As a result of his involvement in the two accidents, Thorstenson was taken into custody by local law enforcement. He was searched and a pistol was found on him. Thorstenson is prohibited from possessing firearms due to felony convictions for Distribution or Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana from 2015 in Brookings County, Simple Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer from 2015 in Brookings County, and Simple Assault, Third or Subsequent Offense from 2022 in Minnehaha County.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ryan McFall prosecuted the case.

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