⏱ 2 min read
Ashlee Vanarsdale, a 39-year-old woman from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, that resulted in a near-fatal overdose of a woman on June 5, 2025. Vanarsdale sold half a gram of fentanyl powder to the victim for $150, who then overdosed and was revived by first responders using Narcan. The incident led to a thorough investigation by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
Vanarsdale pleaded guilty to the charges on December 17, 2025, and was sentenced by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange on March 16, 2026. In addition to her 20-year prison term, Vanarsdale will also serve three years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case highlights the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of law enforcement efforts to combat its distribution. The US Attorney’s office, led by Ron Parsons, prosecuted the case, which was investigated by multiple agencies. Vanarsdale’s sentence serves as a warning to those involved in the illicit drug trade that they will face severe consequences for their actions.
Vanarsdale was immediately remanded to the custody of the US Marshals Service following her sentencing. The case was prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Mark Joyce.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Drug Trafficking
- Defendant: South Dakota
- Location: SD
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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