Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to Federal Prison
A federal judge sentenced Patrick Riley Bettelyoun to thirty months in prison following a weapon and drug charge.
Updated on Oct. 5, 2026 in Drug Crime
Chief District Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced 47-year-old Patrick Riley Bettelyoun to two years and six months in federal prison. The sentence follows a guilty plea for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.
Why it matters
Bettelyoun was prohibited from owning firearms due to a 2022 felony conviction for possession of a controlled substance. His sentencing concludes a case involving the seizure of narcotics and weapons during a traffic stop.
Bettelyoun received a thirty-month prison term followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The players
Roberto A. Lange
He is the Chief District Judge who presided over the federal sentencing hearing in South Dakota.
Patrick Riley Bettelyoun
He is a 47-year-old defendant from Rapid City who was convicted on federal weapons and drug charges.
The details
Law enforcement discovered a firearm, ammunition, methamphetamine, and fentanyl inside a vehicle during a traffic stop. Bettelyoun, a resident of Rapid City, faced indictment by a federal grand jury before pleading guilty to the charges.
Timeline
In 2022, Bettelyoun was convicted of a felony for possession of a controlled substance.
A federal grand jury indicted the defendant in July 2025.
Bettelyoun entered a guilty plea on June 29, 2026.
The sentencing hearing was held on September 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows federal enforcement patterns regarding the prohibition of firearms for convicted felons under United States law. It highlights the recurring intersection of drug trafficking and illegal firearm possession in the state.
The case highlights local law enforcement efforts to remove both narcotics and illegal firearms from community streets. Residents may see continued focus on traffic-stop interventions as part of federal and local safety initiatives.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the strict federal penalties for prohibited persons found in possession of firearms. Individuals with prior felony records face significant prison time when involved in subsequent illegal activities.
Further reading
For more information on legal proceedings, visit the Drug Crime section.
