Hot Springs, SD – Laurens Marcus Maas has been handed a 210-month federal prison sentence for his role in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. The 51-year-old was sentenced by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on June 3, 2019.
Maas’s sentence also includes five years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. In addition, he must forfeit 21 firearms as part of his sentence.
The man was indicted on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and being a Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm by a federal grand jury on November 7, 2017. He pled guilty to the conspiracy charge on June 1, 2018.
Maas obtained meth from a California supplier, which he then distributed in North Dakota and the Black Hills region. Authorities executed a search warrant at his residence on October 25, 2017, where they seized over 6 pounds of meth, 21 firearms, and ammunition. Other co-conspirators are awaiting sentencing or trials in Rapid City.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons highlighted the link between drug trafficking and violence, noting that firearms are often used by dealers to protect their operations and assets. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and enhancing community safety.
The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Rapid City Police Department, and the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich handled the prosecution. Maas was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Related Federal Cases
- South Dakota Woman Sentenced to 10 Years for Meth Conspiracy · South Dakota
- Los Angeles Man Sentenced 2+ Years for Conspiracy to Distribute Meth · Alabama
- Amgen Pays $71M for Pushing Drugs Off-Label · Washington
- Amgen Inc. $71M Settlement · Washington
- California Man Indicted for Meth Conspiracy · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
US NewsUS NewsUS NewsUS News