An Eagle Butte man was sentenced on March 23 to one year in federal prison after being convicted of escape from custody, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Ron Parsons.
The case highlights the consequences for individuals who leave federal custody without permission. Such actions can result in additional criminal charges and extended sentences.
Lawrence Oakie, age 44, received his sentence from U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler. In addition to the prison term, Oakie was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Oakie had been indicted by a federal grand jury in May 2025 and pleaded guilty on December 1, 2025.
Authorities said that in May 2025, Oakie left Community Alternatives of the Black Hills—where he was serving out the remainder of his original sentence—without authorization and failed to return. Law enforcement later located him at an apartment complex in Rapid City after responding to a call for service related to his absence.
The U.S. Marshals Service investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson prosecuted it. Following sentencing, Oakie was immediately remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
