Upon the retirement of United States Marshal (USM) Daniel C. Mosteller on December 30, 2024, pursuant to the Federal Vacancies Reform Act, Chief Deputy United States Marshal (CDUSM) Stephen Houghtaling assumed the role of Acting USM for the District of South Dakota (D/SD). On January 10, 2025, he was designated to serve as the Acting USM for the D/SD by Attorney General Merrick B. Garland.

Acting USM Houghtaling began his career with the United States Marshals Service (USMS) in 2005 as a Deputy U.S. Marshal assigned to the D/SD, Pierre office. Acting USM Houghtaling served as Supervisory Deputy U.S. Marshal for the D/SD, Pierre and Aberdeen offices for approximately seven years and was later promoted to CDUSM for the D/SD in 2019. Prior to joining the USMS, Acting USM Houghtaling worked in the corporate and private security field.

In October 2017, Acting USM Houghtaling was the recipient of the Attorney General’s Award for Exceptional Service in Indian Country. In May 2015, Acting USM Houghtaling was the recipient of the U.S. Marshals Service Robert Forsyth Valor Director’s Award.

Acting USM Houghtaling received his Bachelor of Science degree in 2005, from Northeastern University in Boston, Massachusetts. He holds full or honorary memberships with the Federal Law Enforcement Officers Association, SD Peace Officers’ Association, SD Sheriffs’ Association, SD Police Chiefs’ Association, and South Dakota EMS Association, among others.