Adam Westphal, 34, of Gettysburg, South Dakota was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
Westphal is accused of knowingly and intentionally combining, conspiring, confederating, and agreeing with persons known and unknown to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The Indictment further alleges that Westphal knowingly received and possessed several firearms, including a homemade silencer and a destructive device, items which combination of parts would readily assemble one improvised explosive bomb or destructive device.
Attorney General Jeff Sessions reinvigorated Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.
Westphal appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 29, 2018, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, lifetime of supervised release, and $600 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. 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.
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.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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