Aberdeen Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Possessing Firearm as a Prohibited Person

A 35-year-old Aberdeen man has been sentenced to five months in federal prison after admitting to possessing a firearm despite a prior domestic violence conviction that barred him from having one. He will also serve three years of supervised release.

By Riley Harrington December 10, 2025 11:52 am

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MITCHELL, SD (Mitchell Now) — An Aberdeen man has been sentenced to federal prison after being convicted of Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, according to an announcement from the U.S. Attorney’s Office. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann issued the sentence on Dec. 8, 2025.

Christopher Emmanuel Walton, 35, received a five-month prison term, followed by three years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Walton was indicted in July 2024 and pleaded guilty on Nov. 3, 2025.

Federal prosecutors said Walton is prohibited from possessing firearms due to a prior domestic violence conviction. According to investigators, Walton discovered a pistol in his vehicle after a roommate returned from target shooting and mistakenly left the firearm in the trunk. Walton placed the pistol in a backpack before leaving for a scheduled parenting visit. An Edmunds County deputy later pulled him over and found the firearm in the vehicle.

The case was investigated by the FBI, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the matter.

This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by coordinating efforts among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

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