Judge Sentences Spearfish Man to Federal Prison
Cole Nygaard receives nearly six years in prison for possessing unregistered firearms and explosives.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Crime — General
A federal judge in Rapid City has sentenced Cole Nygaard to five years and 11 months in prison following his guilty plea to weapons charges. The sentencing follows an investigation that uncovered numerous firearms and improvised explosive devices.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a case involving the discovery of dangerous explosive devices and unregistered weapons at the defendant's Spearfish residence. Nygaard, who was using methamphetamine during the period he held these items, also faces three years of supervised release.
Cole Nygaard received a sentence of five years and 11 months in federal prison and three years of supervised release. He was further ordered to pay $200 in special assessments after pleading guilty to two counts of possession of an unregistered firearm.
The players
Cole Nygaard
He is the defendant who was sentenced for possessing unregistered firearms and improvised explosive devices.
Camela C. Theeler
She is the federal judge who presided over the case and delivered the sentencing in Rapid City.
The details
Authorities initially intercepted Nygaard during a January 2024 traffic stop in Lawrence County, where they discovered three firearms equipped with unregistered silencers. A subsequent January 2026 search of his Spearfish home led to the recovery of nine improvised explosive devices, one of which detonated during the police operation, along with 19 additional firearms.
Timeline
January 2024: Law enforcement stopped a vehicle containing unregistered firearms.
January 27, 2026: Police searched Nygaard's residence and discovered explosives.
July 20, 2026: Nygaard pleaded guilty to two counts of possessing unregistered firearms.
October 19, 2026: The judge sentenced Nygaard to federal prison.
Legal Context
The prosecution and subsequent sentencing follow strict federal registration requirements for silencers and destructive devices under the National Firearms Act. Such cases illustrate the severe penalties mandated for failing to properly document high-risk weaponry.
The discovery of improvised explosive devices in a residential neighborhood presents a significant safety concern for the local community. The conclusion of this case removes these dangerous materials from the area and highlights local law enforcement's efforts to address threats to public security.
The takeaway
The successful prosecution emphasizes the serious criminal implications of illegal possession of explosive materials. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious manufacturing activities to local law enforcement to help ensure ongoing community safety.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings in the area, visit the Crime — General section.
