Plankinton Man Charged as an Unlawful User of Controlled Substances In Possession of Firearms

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a federal grand jury has indicted a Plankinton, South Dakota, man for Possession of Firearms by a Prohibited Person.

Cory John Cumings, age 45, was indicted in November of 2024. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L Duffy on November 14, 2024, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 15 years in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about December 21, 2023, Cumings, knowing he was an unlawful user of controlled substances, was in possession of excess of 100 firearms and ammunition.

The charge is merely an accusation and Cumings is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

The investigation is being conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The Davison County Sheriff's Office and the Mitchell Police Department also assisted with the investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce is prosecuting the case.

Cumings was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.