United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell dropped the hammer today, announcing a swift and severe punishment for Turner Heinbaugh, 35, of Belle Fourche, South Dakota. Heinbaugh was sentenced to 12 years and seven months in federal prison for his role in Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering.
The sentencing took place on July 14, 2025, with District Court Judge Camela C. Theeler delivering the verdict. Heinbaugh’s sentence also includes three years of supervised release following his prison term, along with an order to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Heinbaugh was indicted in November 2024 and pleaded guilty on April 22, 2025. His laundering activities were tied to a methamphetamine operation in the Black Hills region. He coordinated with others to siphon off drug proceeds and funneled them through electronic payments to co-conspirators across the U.S. and Mexico.
Investigators believe Heinbaugh was instrumental in transferring approximately $98,000 in drug proceeds. His involvement didn’t stop at money laundering; he was also an active participant in selling methamphetamine during his time in the conspiracy.
This case is a testament to the effectiveness of the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), which has been battling transnational organized crime since 1982. The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), and the Drug Enforcement Administration worked tirelessly to bring Heinbaugh to justice.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Paige Petersen led the prosecution, and Heinbaugh was immediately remanded into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His sentence sends a clear message: money laundering linked to drug operations will not be tolerated in South Dakota.
Related Federal Cases
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- Eagle Butte Meth Dealer & Escapee Gets 25 Months · South Dakota
- Edgemont Man Gets 60-Month Sentence for Obscene Material Transfer · South Dakota
- Sioux Falls Man Gets 30-Month Cyberstalking Sentence · South Dakota
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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