Christopher Luke, Methamphetamine Trafficking, South Dakota 2013

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A Colorado man has been accused of being part of a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine in South Dakota, according to an indictment unsealed by the United States Attorney’s office.

Christopher Luke, 28, of Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 19, 2013, for his alleged involvement in a methamphetamine trafficking ring that operated in the District of South Dakota. The indictment charges Luke with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

Luke appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica Duffy on December 2, 2013, and pleaded not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to the indictment, Luke conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota beginning no later than the summer of 2012. The charge is merely an accusation, and Luke is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride is prosecuting the case. Luke was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set yet.

The case is a reminder of the ongoing struggle against methamphetamine trafficking in South Dakota and the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat this serious crime.

The United States Attorney’s office has promised to continue to work tirelessly to prosecute those involved in methamphetamine trafficking and to keep the community informed about the progress of the case.

Warning: This article contains information about a serious crime. Reader discretion is advised.

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