Crime Spree in Mitchell, South Dakota: Eli Erickson, a 31-year-old Mitchell man, has been charged with a string of serious crimes, including Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime, Possession of an Unregistered Firearm, Possession of a Firearm with an Obliterated Serial Number, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
The charges stem from an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.
Erickson appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 20, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
According to the Indictment, Erickson combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed with persons to knowingly distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams of more of methamphetamine. The Indictment also alleges that during this time, Erickson possessed multiple firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity, and firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
Eli Erickson, a 31-year-old Mitchell man, was indicted on November 14, 2018. He faces up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, 5 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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