Three Charged for Sturgis Meat Crimes

(Pierre) – Chief Deputy Attorney General, Larry Long has announced that three South Dakota men are facing criminal charges for their involvement with the sale of unregistered Sturgis Meat Service securities.

Ronald J. Gapp, Piedmont; Philip Keven Cyre, Watertown; and Robert A. Jewett, Spearfish; have been charged with selling $1.2 million worth of unregistered stock. Gapp is facing 68 counts for sale of unregistered securities. Cyre and Jewett are both facing 68 counts for the sale of unregistered securities and an additional two counts for the fraudulent sale of a security.

Each of these offenses is a class four felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.  

“Corporate greed comes in many forms. The actions of these men have cost investors over $1.5 million. We’re holding them individually responsible,” said Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Long.

In 2001, Gapp, Cyre, and Jewett formed the partnership 3 Pals, Inc.  In April 2001, 3 Pals, Inc. entered into a management agreement to effectively take over Sturgis Meat Services. At that time they started selling “service contracts” to cattle producers. According to South Dakota law, the service contracts sold by 3 Pals, Inc. are considered non-exempt securities. The partnership of Gapp, Cyre, and Jewett failed to register these securities and failed to uphold their portion of the service agreement.

Sales records show that 3 Pals, Inc. sold these service contracts to approximately 66 individuals or entities.

An investigation by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the South Dakota Brand Board led to the charges. The prosecution is being handled by Chief Deputy Attorney General Larry Long and Assistant Attorney General Todd Love.

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