Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Acting United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of carjacking was sentenced on December 9, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Sterling George Spotted Elk, Jr., age 32, was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Spotted Elk was indicted for carjacking by a federal grand jury on April 6, 2021. He pled guilty on August 6, 2021.

Between January 15 and 16, 2021, in Sioux Falls, Spotted Elk and an accomplice attempted to forcefully take a motor vehicle, a Honda Accord, from the victim and the victim’s two friends. During the carjacking, Spotted Elk’s accomplice brandished a firearm and threatened the victim and the other occupants of the car. While Defendant Spotted Elk’s accomplice pointed the firearm at the victim, Spotted Elk grabbed the car keys from the victim and took control of the vehicle. Spotted Elk entered the driver’s side and tried to steal the car, but the gear lock was engaged, preventing Spotted Elk and his accomplice from taking the vehicle. Because bystanders were watching this crime take place, Spotted Elk and his accomplice fled the scene.

Spotted Elk's accomplice, Shawn Long, was recently sentenced to 116 months in federal prison.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri prosecuted the case.

Spotted Elk was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.