PIERRE, SD – Weston Big Eagle, 47, of Fort Thompson, South Dakota, will spend the next decade behind bars after being sentenced for his role in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network that plagued central South Dakota. U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte handed down the 10-year federal prison sentence on June 23, 2025, followed by five years of supervised release.
Big Eagle was indicted by a federal grand jury in December 2024 and subsequently pleaded guilty on March 19, 2025, to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The investigation revealed a conspiracy that stretched from January 2023 to December 2023, with Big Eagle acting as a key player in moving product throughout the region, including the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Sioux Indian Reservations.
Federal prosecutors detailed how Big Eagle wasn’t just a minor participant; he was deeply involved in the distribution of over 500 grams of methamphetamine – a substantial amount that fueled addiction and likely contributed to other crimes in already strained communities. The sentencing isn’t simply about locking up one man; it’s about disrupting a network that preys on vulnerability.
In addition to the prison term, Judge Schulte ordered Big Eagle to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. While a monetary penalty doesn’t begin to cover the damage caused by drug trafficking, it’s a small measure of accountability. Big Eagle was immediately taken into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service to begin serving his sentence.
The takedown of this operation was a collaborative effort. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) all contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges successfully prosecuted the case, bringing Big Eagle to justice.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing battle against drug trafficking in South Dakota and the tireless work of federal agencies to dismantle these criminal enterprises. While one link in the chain has been removed, authorities remain vigilant in their efforts to stem the flow of illegal drugs into the state and protect vulnerable communities. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the ongoing fight against illicit drug activity.
Related Federal Cases
- Eagle Butte Man Indicted in Meth Distribution Ring · South Dakota
- Eagle Butte Meth Dealer Gets 7 Months · South Dakota
- Eagle Staff Gets 16 Months for Meth Dealing · South Dakota
- Eagle Butte Pair Sentenced in Meth Distribution Ring · South Dakota
- SD Woman Gets 10 Years in Meth Mail Ring · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking