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Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
District of South Dakota
Dennis R. Holmes, United States Attorney
www.justice.gov/usao-sd
For Immediate Release
Monday, March 14, 2022

Sioux Falls Individuals Charged with Making a False Statement in Connection with a Purchase of a Firearm

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that two Sioux Falls, South Dakota, men and a Sioux Falls, South Dakota woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Making a False Statement in Connection with a Purchase of a Firearm.

Shyene Marie Clemens, age 25, Matthew Lebahn, age 23, and Jayden Guenther, age 20, were indicted on March 1, 2022.  Clemens appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 7, 2022.  Lebahn and Guenther appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on March 11, 2022.  All three defendants pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 10 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about May 6, 2021, Clemens knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Gary’s Gun Shop.  Clemens falsely indicated that she was purchasing a firearm for herself, when, in fact, she was purchasing it for Guenther.

The Count 2 of the Indictment alleges that on or about August 27, 2021, Lebahn knowingly made a false and fictitious written statement to Scheels.  Lebahn falsely indicated that he was purchasing a firearm for himself, when, in fact, he was purchasing it for Guenther.

The charges are merely accusations and Clemens, Lebahn, and Guenther are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey C. Clapper is prosecuting the case.   

All three defendants were released on bond pending trial which has not been set yet.

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