Black Hawk Drug Kingpin Gets 11 Years for Meth Distribution

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the sentencing of Jackie Corean, 63, from Black Hawk, South Dakota, to 11 years and three months in federal prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.

The hearing took place before U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on September 2, 2025. Corean was additionally ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund and will serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.

Corean’s criminal activity spanned from January 2022 until February 2024, during which he participated in a conspiracy that funneled large quantities of methamphetamine from Denver, Colorado, to South Dakota. His residence became a central point for distribution activities.

In a chilling revelation, Corean had discussed obtaining firearms to exchange for drugs with his co-conspirators. However, law enforcement thwarted his plans by executing a search warrant at his home, where they seized six firearms and drug paraphernalia.

This investigation was a collaborative effort among multiple agencies including the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, Wyoming State Highway Patrol, and North Metro Denver Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Benjamin Patterson handled the prosecution.

Corean was immediately handed over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing.

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