Kessara Mikkelson, Methamphetamine and Fentanyl Trafficking, South Dakota 2023

SIOUX FALLS – In a shocking turn of events, two Sioux Falls women have been sentenced for their involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution network that had far-reaching consequences for the community. Kessara Mikkelson, 35, and Asia Gunhammer, 31, were handed down severe sentences by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on October 30, 2023.

Mikkelson 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. Gunhammer, on the other hand, received a sentence of ten years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. She too was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

According to court documents, Mikkelson and Gunhammer were indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in June of 2023. Mikkelson pleaded guilty on July 25, 2023, and Gunhammer pleaded guilty on July 20, 2023. The duo was involved in a massive 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, on the other hand, was one of the known sub-distributors for Mikkelson. The methamphetamine in this conspiracy was known to be sourced by the Mexican cartels.

Law enforcement agencies, including the FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, played a crucial role in investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case, bringing the culprits to justice. Mikkelson and Gunhammer were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The severity of the sentences handed down to Mikkelson and Gunhammer serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of engaging in large-scale drug trafficking operations. The community can rest assured that law enforcement agencies will continue to work tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle these networks, bringing those responsible to justice.

Stay tuned for further updates on this and other cases as they unfold.

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