Brendan Lee, Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana, South Dakota 2019 · Illinois
Ashlee Vanarsdale, Fentanyl Distribution, South Dakota 2025 · South Dakota
Ryan Scott, Marijuana Trafficking, South Dakota 2013 · California
Parmelee Woman, Marijuana Trafficking, South Dakota 2023 · Washington
Lawrence Orlando Lee, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Oregon 2023 · Washington

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Brendan Lee, 23, Charged with Marijuana Trafficking in South Dakota
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Brendan Lee, 23, Charged with Marijuana Trafficking in South Dakota

Two individuals from Indiana have been accused of smuggling a large quantity of marijuana into South Dakota. U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Brendan Lee and Sarah Worthman, both 23 years old, were indicted by a federal grand jury for Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana and Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.

According to the indictment, Lee and Worthman were stopped by law enforcement on the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Reservation in a U-Haul truck. During the traffic stop, approximately 151 pounds of marijuana were found in their vehicle. The duo was apprehended at the scene.

Lee and Worthman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on March 7, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case. Lee was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, while Worthman was released on bond conditions.

A trial date has been set for April 30, 2019. The charges are merely accusations, and Lee and Worthman are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Lee, a resident of Chesterton, Indiana, and Worthman, from Bloomfield, Indiana, are facing serious consequences if convicted. The large quantity of marijuana seized in the traffic stop is a clear indication of the duo’s involvement in a significant trafficking operation.

The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat marijuana trafficking in the region. As the investigation continues, it is clear that Lee and Worthman’s actions have serious consequences for the community.