Sioux Falls Woman Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession

Amber Marie Gentapanan received two years in federal prison for prohibited firearm possession.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:08am

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An extreme close-up photograph of a semi-automatic pistol against a pitch-black background, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash, conceptually illustrating the investigation and prosecution of illegal firearm possession.A recent federal crackdown on illegal gun possession aims to make Sioux Falls neighborhoods safer.Sioux Falls Today

Amber Marie Gentapanan, a 28-year-old Sioux Falls resident, was sentenced to two years in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release for illegally possessing a semi-automatic pistol. Gentapanan was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior 2022 felony conviction for drug possession, but was found with a gun in March 2025 before fleeing from police.

Why it matters

This case is part of a nationwide initiative called Operation Take Back America, which aims to combat illegal immigration, eliminate transnational criminal organizations, and reduce gun violence in local communities. The sentencing highlights ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to hold repeat offenders accountable and keep firearms out of the hands of prohibited individuals.

The details

Gentapanan was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025 for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. She pleaded guilty to the charge on January 12, 2026. The incident occurred on March 25, 2025, when Gentapanan was found in possession of a semi-automatic pistol in Sioux Falls. She fled from police but was apprehended after discarding a bag containing the firearm.

  • Gentapanan was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2025.
  • Gentapanan pleaded guilty to the charge on January 12, 2026.
  • The incident occurred on March 25, 2025.

The players

Amber Marie Gentapanan

A 28-year-old Sioux Falls resident who was convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person due to a prior 2022 felony drug conviction.

Homeland Security Investigations

The federal agency that investigated this case along with the Sioux Falls Police Department.

Mark Joyce

The Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case.

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What’s next

The judge will oversee Gentapanan's two-year federal prison sentence and three-year supervised release term.

The takeaway

This sentencing demonstrates the ongoing efforts by federal and local law enforcement to hold repeat offenders accountable and keep illegal firearms out of communities, as part of the broader Operation Take Back America initiative to combat violent crime and transnational criminal organizations.