Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession
Austin Joseph Means received over three years in federal prison for possessing a weapon as a convicted felon.
Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Criminal Justice
Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced 35-year-old Austin Joseph Means to three years and six months in federal prison. Means was found in possession of a semi-automatic pistol despite being prohibited due to a prior felony conviction.
Why it matters
Federal law strictly prohibits individuals with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms to enhance public safety. This sentencing highlights the judicial response to violations of these firearm restrictions.
The court imposed a sentence of three years and six months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Means must also pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The players
Austin Joseph Means
He is a 35-year-old defendant who pleaded guilty to illegal firearm possession after being identified as a prohibited person.
Roberto A. Lange
He is the Chief Judge of the U.S. District Court who presided over the sentencing hearing.
Sioux Falls Police Department
This local law enforcement agency conducted the investigation and executed the search warrant at the residence.
The details
Sioux Falls Police Department detectives discovered a semi-automatic pistol and 15 live rounds of ammunition while executing a search warrant at a residence in the northwest part of the city. Subsequent forensic testing confirmed that Means, who had a prior felony conviction for Possession of a Controlled Substance, possessed the firearm.
Timeline
March 13, 2025: Police executed a search warrant at a Sioux Falls residence.
November 2025: A federal grand jury indicted Austin Joseph Means.
June 29, 2026: Austin Joseph Means pleaded guilty to the charges.
September 28, 2026: Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced Means to federal prison.
Legal Context
Federal prosecutions for illegal firearm possession reflect ongoing efforts to enforce the federal prohibition of firearm possession by convicted felons. This sentencing follows a pattern of strict judicial adherence to mandatory penalties for repeat offenders in federal court.
The recovery of a semi-automatic pistol during the police search highlights the agency's efforts to remove illicit weapons from local neighborhoods. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious criminal activity to the Sioux Falls Police Department to maintain area safety.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe legal consequences for individuals who disregard firearm prohibitions following a felony conviction. Convicted felons are strictly barred from possessing weapons, and federal courts consistently enforce these penalties to deter further criminal activity.
Further reading
Learn more about the local justice system by visiting the Criminal Justice section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
