Juan Porcayo, Methamphetamine Distribution, South Dakota 2020
South Dakota was hit with a major blow to its methamphetamine trade when a California man was sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for distributing the highly addictive substance. The sentence was handed down to Juan Porcayo, 49 by U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on February 28, 2020.
Porcayo, a resident of Yuba City, California, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance at a federal jury trial in October 2019. The crime dates back to January 2016 to September 2017 when Porcayo supplied approximately 10 kilograms of methamphetamine to individuals in Rapid City, South Dakota for distribution.
Porcayo's actions led to a significant amount of methamphetamine being distributed in the region, causing harm to many individuals and their families. His sentence includes 14 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The investigation into Porcayo's activities was a collaborative effort between the Department of Homeland Security and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which consists of investigators from the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.
Porcayo was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the sentencing. This sentence serves as a strong warning to those involved in the distribution of illicit substances that they will be held accountable for their actions.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of controlled substances and bring those responsible to justice. As the fight against methamphetamine continues, it is essential that the public remains vigilant and reports any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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