Georgia Woman Gets 5+ Years for SD Meth Bust

In a shocking turn of events, a Decatur, Georgia, woman has been sentenced to 5 years and 10 months in federal prison for her role in a South Dakota drug and money laundering conspiracy.

Julia Precious Ballansaw, 21, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments, charges that carry a hefty price tag.

According to court documents, Ballansaw obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators in California and South Dakota, transporting it back to the Mount Rushmore State to be further distributed. She also conducted wire transfers of funds derived from the sale of controlled substances to co-conspirators in California.

The 21-year-old’s scheme was uncovered by a federal grand jury in October 2023, and she pleaded guilty on March 14, 2024. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on June 3, 2024, and includes three years of supervised release. Ballansaw was also ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

But that’s not all – Ballansaw’s sentencing also includes a concurrent 5-year and 10-month prison term for Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments. She was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Homeland Security Investigations, Internal Revenue Service-Criminal Investigations, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation all contributed to the case, which serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of drug trafficking and money laundering.

The sentencing is a significant blow to those involved in the conspiracy, and a victory for law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this story, we will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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