A South Dakota active-duty airman was arrested on federal charges after authorities say he allegedly murdered a missing Native American woman on a military base.

Quinterius Chappelle, 24, an Airman Basic stationed at Ellsworth Air Force Base, is charged with second-degree murder in the death of 21-year-old Sahela Toka Win Sangrait.

Chappelle appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Daneta L. Wollmann on Monday and pleaded not guilty to a federal criminal complaint.

Sahela Toka Win Sangrait was found dead after being reported missing by family in 2024. (Facebook / Bernice White Swan)

Chappelle is being held by the U.S. Marshals Service at the Pennington County Jail in Rapid City, South Dakota. A trial date has not been set.

Authorities allege that Sahela Sangrait was killed at Ellsworth Air Force Base. (Ellsworth Air Force Base)

“This charge, filed just 10 days after the victim’s remains were discovered, reflects the dogged work of federal, state, and local law enforcement professionals who seamlessly collaborated to run down every lead with absolute expediency and care,” said Alison Ramsdell, U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota. “Under the criminal justice system, this charge is merely an accusation, and the defendant is innocent until proven guilty; the facts and evidence in this case will be litigated before a federal judge and jury. At this time, our hearts are with the victim’s family and friends, who, after many agonizing months of searching for answers, are now grieving the tragic death of their loved one.”

Other agencies that assisted with the case include the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, the Rapid City Police Department and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.

FBI Minneapolis and the U.S. Air Force Office of Special Investigations did not immediately respond to inquiries from Fox News Digital.