On July 29, 2024, the Uhre family retained John Pierce as independent counsel in all lawsuits their family businesses and corporation - the Retsel Corporation - has been named a party to. Further, John Pierce will be lead counsel for the Uhre family in a Federal RICO lawsuit against the NDN Collective, several of its members, and other persons who have intentionally and maliciously harmed the Uhres’ businesses. 

To establish federal civil RICO conspiracy, there must be (1) conduct (2) of an enterprise (3) through a pattern (4) of racketeering activity. Santana v. Cook Cnty. Bd. of Review, 700 F. Supp. 2d 1023 (N.D. Ill. 2010). Racketeering is defined by a coordinated effort by multiple people to repeatedly earn a profit. 18 U.S.C. § 1961.  

The Uhre family owns a business in Rapid City, South Dakota, the Grand Gateway Hotel and Cheers Sports Lounge and Casino (“Gateway”). In March of 2022, in response to a killing at the Hotel by a Native on another Native from a different tribe, a board member of the Retsel Corporation made impulsive comments which were made out of heightened emotion, feeling as though they had no source of help. These comments came after multiple please to local law enforcement for heightened security around the premises – which were never answered. 

In response to these comments, the Uhre family and Gateway has been continuously targeted by the NDN Collective – a Native Indian indigenous activist organization. NDN had reported Retsel to the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) alleging discriminatory practices by the Retsel Corporation. 

First, John Pierce will be defending the Uhre family in a baseless lawsuit filed by the DOJ for discrimination. This is logically impossible, as the Uhre family employs many Indigenous and Native persons at Gateway.

Further, even though an apology statement was issued immediately after the comments were made, NDN and its members have repeatedly subjected the Gateway to physical vandalism, defamation across social media platforms, interference with the business itself and frivolous lawsuits. Over time, NDN has exhibited a pattern of claiming discrimination on commercial establishments, for settlement money. 

The Uhre family has repeatedly sought police protection for their lives and valuable business properties against a violent crime wave in Rapid City, South Dakota which the Uhre family and Gateway have became a target of.

The malicious nature of NDN Collective along with its members have amounted to a conspiracy to commit financial crime and justice requires them to pay damages to both the Uhre family as well as their corporation. 

Proudly represents over twenty defendants in the historic January 6th, Capitol Hill protest prosecutions.

Represents family of Jake Gardner in wrongful death case in connection with his suicide following politicized homicide charge for self-defense shooting during the riots in summer of 2020.

Represents Carter Page in FISA abuse litigation against the DOJ, FBI and others arising from the “Russia Hoax” in connection with the 2016 Presidential Election.

Represents family of LaVoy Finicum in wrongful death case in connection with his shooting death by government agents following a land stand-off in Oregon.

Represents family of Szandor Szabo in wrongful death case following his one-punch killing by a Wake Forest University assistant basketball coach in New York City.

Represents Arthur Love against Maryland Governor Larry Hogan for “cancel culture” firing after Love posted content on his social media supportive of Kyle Rittenhouse.

John Pierce and former United States Congressman Bob Barr (R-GA) announced the filing of a major, $10 billion-plus federal civil RICO lawsuit against Facebook, Twitter, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jack Dorsey on behalf of Florida congressional candidate Laura Loomer.