Josh Sanders, Others Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy, South Dakota 2019
Crime and Corruption: A Grimy Times Investigation
Three members of a South Dakota drug ring were recently sentenced for their roles in a methamphetamine conspiracy.
A trio of methamphetamine dealers, Josh Sanders, Gregory Murphy, and Cathy Jacques, were recently sentenced by U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken for their involvement in a methamphetamine distribution ring in Western South Dakota.
Josh Sanders, age 48, of Rapid City, South Dakota, was sentenced to a total of 12 ½ years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Gregory Murphy, age 45, of Rapid City, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release. Cathy Jacques, age 36, of Box Elder, South Dakota, was sentenced to a total of 10 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.
The trio was involved in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution operation, transporting the illicit substance between Nevada and South Dakota between November 2018 and April 2019. During the investigation, authorities discovered that Sanders was often the source of the methamphetamine, supplying Jacques and Murphy with the substance for further distribution.
On April 29, 2019, the trio was stopped by the South Dakota Highway Patrol as part of an ongoing investigation into their drug trafficking activities. During the search of the defendants' vehicle, troopers located approximately three pounds of methamphetamine.
This case was investigated by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), Drug Enforcement Agency, and South Dakota Highway Patrol. UNET is comprised of law enforcement from the Pennington County Sheriff's Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Gina S. Nelson prosecuted the case.
Sanders, Murphy, and Jacques were immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. The defendants were also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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