Three Sioux Falls Men Indicted in Federal Gang-Related Attempted Murder Case

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Three Sioux Falls men have been indicted on multiple federal racketeering‑related charges after prosecutors say they conspired to murder a victim and carried out a gang‑motivated shooting earlier this year. The indictment, filed in August, alleges the men acted to maintain or elevate their status within the Gangster Disciples criminal organization.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota, Nathan Carlos Hernandez, 20; Sebastian Michael Waters, 19; and Tino Sage Roubideaux, 29, each pleaded not guilty during separate appearances before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy in August.

Federal prosecutors say the defendants were members of the Gangster Disciples (GD), a gang with members and associates throughout Sioux Falls and beyond. The charging document alleges the gang committed, attempted to commit, and conspired to commit violent acts — including assaults — along with drug trafficking and firearms offenses. Participation in violent “work” was allegedly used to increase a member’s standing within the gang.

January 4 Shooting Alleged in Indictment

The indictment alleges that on January 4, 2026, Hernandez, Waters, and Roubideaux located a victim at a Sioux Falls business and attempted to murder the victim by shooting them multiple times. Prosecutors say two firearms were used in the attack. The shooting was allegedly carried out to maintain or increase each defendant’s position within the Gangster Disciples.

The defendants face a series of federal charges, including:

·        Conspiracy to Murder in Aid of Racketeering

·        Attempted Murder in Aid of Racketeering and Aiding and Abetting

·        Assault with a Dangerous Weapon in Aid of Racketeering and Aiding and Abetting

·        Possession, Brandishing, and Discharge of a Firearm During and in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence

·        Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person

Penalties range from 10 years to life in prison, depending on the charge. The firearms discharge count carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years, to be served consecutively to any sentence for attempted murder or assault. The charges also carry potential fines up to $250,000, supervised release, forfeiture, and restitution.

Part of Operation Take Back America

The case is being prosecuted under Operation Take Back America, a nationwide Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating violent crime, transnational criminal organizations, and firearms‑related offenses. The program integrates resources from OCDETF and Project Safe Neighborhoods, which in South Dakota focuses on reducing gun violence through coordinated law enforcement partnerships.

Homeland Security Investigations and the Sioux Falls Police Department conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri is prosecuting the case. All three defendants have been remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial.

A trial date of October 26, 2026, has been set.