Jeffrey Walters, Possession with Intent to Distribute, South Dakota 2021

A 62-year-old Bottineau, North Dakota man has been handed a severe sentence for his role in a federal drug case. Jeffrey Walters was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and was sentenced in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Dakota on July 30, 2021.

Walters was found guilty of possessing, with the intent to distribute, a significant amount of illegal substances. The indictment states that he had 1,288 grams of methamphetamine, 80 grams of cocaine, and 14 grams of marijuana in his possession near Buffalo, South Dakota. The substances were discovered after Walters came into contact with a Harding County Sheriff’s Deputy in March 2020.

The Harding County Sheriff’s Office, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation all played a role in the investigation that led to Walters’ arrest and conviction. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric Kelderman was responsible for prosecuting the case.

As a result of his conviction, Walters was sentenced to 4 years and 9 months in federal prison. He will also be subject to 3 years of supervised release after completion of his prison term. Walters was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Walters was immediately taken into the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. This case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking and related crimes in the region. The cooperation between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors is crucial in bringing perpetrators to justice.

The severity of Walters’ sentence is a testament to the seriousness with which the courts view these types of crimes. Possession with intent to distribute controlled substances can have devastating consequences for individuals and communities. This case highlights the importance of continued vigilance and cooperation in the fight against drug trafficking.

The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure that those who engage in drug-related crimes are held accountable for their actions.

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