Poppen Receives 2026 Director's Award

Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen was honored for superior performance in Indian Country prosecutions.

Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Sex Crimes

Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen received the 2026 Director's Award from the Department of Justice's Executive Office for United States Attorneys. The award recognizes superior performance in Indian Country, and Poppen was among 183 Department of Justice staff recognized at the ceremony.

Why it matters

The honor recognizes a prosecutor who has convicted hundreds of defendants who victimized residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation over more than a decade. It reflects federal focus on prosecuting violent crime, including homicide and sexual abuse, in South Dakota's tribal communities.

Poppen has prosecuted and convicted hundreds of defendants over more than a decade, including cases involving homicide, sexual abuse, and assaults with dangerous weapons. The source does not detail the status of any specific pending case.

The players

Megan Poppen

Assistant U.S. Attorney who has prosecuted violent crimes on the Pine Ridge Reservation and received this award for a second time.

Trent McCotter

Acting Deputy Attorney General of the United States who presented the award.

Francey Hakes

Director of the Executive Office for United States Attorneys who presented the award.

The details

Poppen was nominated for the award and accepted it from Acting Deputy Attorney General Trent McCotter and EOUSA Director Francey Hakes at the Great Hall of the Robert F. Kennedy Building in Washington, D.C. Department leadership commended her for prosecuting violent crimes on the Pine Ridge Reservation.

October 27, 2026: Award ceremony held in Washington, D.C.
November 3, 2026: U.S. Attorney's Office announced the award

Legal Context

The Director's Award from the Executive Office for United States Attorneys recognizes prosecutors nationwide, and this year's honor for Indian Country work continues a federal emphasis on prosecuting serious crimes on tribal lands. Poppen's second receipt of the award places her among a small group of repeat recipients.

Residents of the Pine Ridge Reservation and surrounding areas may see continued federal prosecution of violent crimes, including sexual abuse, in their communities. The recognition signals ongoing federal resources devoted to prosecutions on tribal lands.

The takeaway

Sustained federal prosecution of violent crime in tribal communities depends on experienced prosecutors who build long-term case work. Recognition of this kind highlights the value of consistent, long-term commitment in Indian Country justice.