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Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

News Release

For Immediate Release

Friday, September 23, 2016
Contact: Ashlee J. L. Sherrill

ATF, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force Arrest 3 Suspects for Gun and Drug Charges

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force arrested three suspects for illegal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and for possession of large amounts of methamphetamines and marijuana on the east side of Sioux Falls yesterday, Sept. 22.

Two of the suspects, Justin Morales, a convicted felon, and Chase Guzman, were pulled over and arrested after leaving a Sioux Falls home near the Hayward Elementary School. They were in possession of a 9 mm handgun and over a pound of marijuana.

The third individual, Daniel Guzman, was arrested as he was leaving the same Sioux Falls home a couple hours later. After ATF and Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force were able to acquire a search warrant, they uncovered more than two pounds of methamphetamines and an additional two pounds of marijuana.

“More often than not, where there are illegal drugs there are illegal firearms,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge James Modzelewski. “Drug dealing is a dangerous business which can put law-abiding citizens at risk. We’re glad to work with the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force to get these individuals arrested and off the streets of Sioux Falls.”

“Methamphetamine use and abuse is a continuing problem not only in Sioux Falls, but also the entire region,” said Sioux Falls Police Chief Matt Burns.  “Because of the many crimes that are associated with the drug trade, the police department will continue to hold those accountable that break the law in order to keep our community safe.”

The Sioux Falls Drug Task Force is composed of law enforcement officers and investigators from the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Other agencies, such as the ATF, work cooperatively with the task force on drug-related crimes.

ATF is the lead federal law enforcement agency with jurisdiction involving firearms and violent crimes. More information about ATF and its programs is available at www.atf.gov. Anyone with information or tips about suspected criminal activity can contact ATF at 1-888-ATF-TIPS.  All calls will be kept confidential.  Anonymous tips may also be provided to ATF by using the ReportIt® app, available for both Apple and Android mobile devices.

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St. Paul Field Division