Jeremy Richards, Sexual Abuse and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, South Dakota 2021

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Sexual Abuse and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Lead to Indictment in Mission, South Dakota

In a shocking case of exploitation and drug distribution, 28-year-old Mission, South Dakota, resident Jeremy Richards has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Sexual Abuse and Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Person Under Age Twenty-One.

The indictment, handed down in August of 2022, alleges that Richards distributed methamphetamine to a victim under the age of 21 in Todd County, South Dakota, in August 2021. Furthermore, it is alleged that he engaged in a sexual act with that victim while she was incapable of declining participation.

This is not the only instance of Richards’ alleged wrongdoing. The indictment also claims that between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2022, in Todd County, Richards distributed methamphetamine to two other individuals who were under the age of 21.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $250,000 fine, up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

Richards appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on September 2, 2022, and pled not guilty to the Indictment. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial, and a trial date has not been set.

The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Kirk Albertson prosecuting the case.

The charges are merely accusations, and Richards is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Mandatory Facts: Defendant: Jeremy Richards; Crime: Sexual Abuse and Distribution of a Controlled Substance; City: Mission; State: South Dakota; Date: August 2021; Sentence: Remanded to custody pending trial; Fine: $250,000; Supervised Release: Up to life; Restitution: $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.