Lee Molica, Meth Possession, South Dakota 2022

A Bakersfield, California man was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation in South Dakota. Lee Molica, 61, was convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

On May 20, 2021, Molica was stopped by law enforcement in Buffalo County, South Dakota. During the stop, officers located two plastic baggies containing approximately 90 grams of methamphetamine. The drugs were intended for distribution on the Crow Creek and Lower Brule Indian Reservations.

Molica was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 10, 2021. He pled guilty to the charges on March 11, 2022. His sentencing took place on June 27, 2022, before Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

As part of his sentence, Molica will serve 90 months in federal prison, followed by four years of supervised release. He has also been ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

The investigation into Molica's activities was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Molica was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing threat of methamphetamine trafficking in the region.

The sentencing of Lee Molica is a significant blow to those involved in the illicit drug trade. It highlights the dedication of law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle these operations, and bring those responsible to justice. As the investigation continues, it is clear that the consequences for those involved in this activity will be severe.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/california-man-sentenced-meth-charge