RAPID CITY – A ruthless fentanyl trafficker has been brought to justice after a lengthy investigation and trial. Anthony Ward, a 39-year-old man from Aurora, Colorado, was sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for his role in distributing fentanyl resulting in serious bodily injury and conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down the sentence on May 17, 2024, with Ward also ordered to serve five years of supervised release and pay a special assessment of $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
A co-conspirator, 40-year-old Darnell Young, received a significantly lighter sentence of 17 years and six months in federal prison on October 24, 2023. Young’s reduced sentence highlights the complexity of the case and the varying levels of culpability among the defendants.
The investigation into Ward’s fentanyl trafficking operation began in the spring of 2022, when law enforcement discovered a cache of 150 fentanyl pills, $2,859 in cash, and a handgun in a bag in the trunk of a vehicle Ward was traveling in. Through the investigation, officials learned that Ward was responsible for sourcing thousands of fentanyl pills from Denver to Rapid City, and that he had distributed a pill that led to a severe overdose in Rapid City.
Ward’s egregious actions were further compounded by his decision to lie under oath during his trial. This egregious act led to a sentencing enhancement, further increasing the severity of his punishment.
The case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), a coalition of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case, bringing to justice a defendant who showed no regard for human life. Ward is currently in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
The sentencing of Anthony Ward serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of fentanyl trafficking and the importance of aggressive law enforcement efforts to combat this growing threat. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.
The investigation into Ward’s operation is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of law enforcement agencies in South Dakota. The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell praised the work of the UNET and the Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the case. “This sentence demonstrates the commitment of our office to holding accountable those who put our communities at risk with their reckless and violent behavior,” she said.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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