PIERRE, S.D.- Attorney General Marty Jackley and Robert's County States Attorney Kerry Cameron announced today that Joseph Thomas Hansen, 18, Claire City, was sentenced to serve 20 years in the State Penitentiary. On count 1, he was sentenced to 10 years with 5 years suspended and on count 2, 10 years with 5 years suspended. The counts are to run consecutively.
Hansen pled guilty in January to 2 counts of sale, transport or possession of destructive device. Each offense is a class 4 felony. On August 23, 2010, a concerned citizen relayed to the Sisseton Police Department School Resource Officer information involving school and public safety. Hansen was arrested by complaint on that same day for having in his possession weapons, ammunition and components to make explosive devices in his home in Claire City.
“This sentence appropriately reflects the serious and dangerous nature of the conduct,” said Jackley. “This incident serves as an important reminder for students, parents, and school officials to report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.”
The investigation was a joint effort by the Sisseton Police Department, Roberts County Sheriff's Office, Division of Criminal Investigation, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, and the Sioux Falls Police Department. The case was prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office and the Robert's County States Attorney.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, February 17, 2011
CONTACT: Sara Rabern, (605) 773-3215
