Echo Winters, Drug Trafficking, South Dakota 2025
RAPID CITY, South Dakota - In a multi-agency law enforcement operation, 16 individuals were arrested on the Pine Ridge Reservation for allegedly being involved in drug trafficking.
The operation, dubbed 'Operation Snowy Ridge,' was orchestrated by the FBI to clear outstanding warrants related to federally indicted drug trafficking cases.
The operation took place on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, and continued through the morning of Wednesday, April 16, 2025.
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, the individuals arrested include Echo Winters (35, Pine Ridge, SD), Esther Winters (43, Pine Ridge, SD), Garren Wilson, Sr. (42, Pine Ridge, SD), Gabriel Gibbons (52, Pine Ridge, SD), Michaela Peoples (44, Pine Ridge, SD), Reed Brown (68, Wanblee, SD), Jackie Black Bear (60, Pine Ridge, SD), Skyler Red Cloud (31, Wounded Knee, SD), Theodore Coomes, Jr., a/k/a TC (38, Pine Ridge, SD), Abe Marshall (39, Batesland, SD), Laquetta Rouillard (34, Pine Ridge, SD), Anja Little Hawk (35, Pine Ridge, SD), Lisa Mills (33, Pine Ridge, SD), Demitre Ecoffey (30, Wounded Knee, SD), Tucker Fischbach (29, Rapid City, SD), and Sesalie Red Owl (41, Rapid City, SD).
Each of these individuals is charged with various drug conspiracies by federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's Office.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell stated that 'Operation Snowy Ridge' brought together vast resources from federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies for a two-day takedown of alleged drug traffickers living within the Pine Ridge Reservation and Rapid City, South Dakota.
The operation was a collaborative effort to improve public safety in tribal communities by removing individuals who drive violence and facilitate drug addiction in Indian country.
Defendant's Information:
Defendant: Echo Winters
Criminal Charges: Various drug conspiracies
City and State: Pine Ridge, South Dakota
Arrest Date: April 15-16, 2025
Current Status: Federal prosecutors at the U.S. Attorney's Office have charged each of these individuals for their involvement in various drug conspiracies.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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