Kessara Mikkelson and Asia Gunhammer, Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, South Dakota 2023

Two Sioux Falls women have been sentenced to lengthy prison terms for their roles in a multi-pound methamphetamine and fentanyl conspiracy. Kessara Mikkelson, 35, was sentenced to nineteen years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Asia Gunhammer, 31, was sentenced to ten years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The conspiracy involved a large-scale methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution network that originated out of California and made its way into South Dakota through shipments that were both mailed through FedEx and driven in semi-trailers. The source of supply for this organization, Terry Morris, Jr., who was also indicted as part of this conspiracy, was, and continues to be, incarcerated in a California state prison. He is set to be sentenced on November 13, 2023.

Mikkelson was personally responsible for organizing and handling over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 25,000 fentanyl pills during her involvement in this conspiracy. Gunhammer was one of the known sub-distributors for Mikkelson. The methamphetamine in this conspiracy was known to be sourced by the Mexican cartels.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Mikkelson and Gunhammer were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The indictments and guilty pleas in this case were the result of a long-term investigation into the distribution of controlled substances in South Dakota. The FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office worked together to bring this case to a successful conclusion.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/two-sioux-falls-women-sentenced-their-roles-multi-pound-methamphetamine-and-fentanyl