Wanblee, SD – A Wanblee man was sentenced to probation for his role in a major marijuana trafficking operation in South Dakota. Clifford Wayne Richards, Jr., 56, also known as Beaver, was found guilty of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute.
According to court documents, Richards conspired and intentionally distributed over 50 kilograms of marijuana in South Dakota. The operation, which was part of Operation Eagle Eye, was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.
Richards pleaded guilty to the charge on December 18, 2012. He was sentenced on May 16, 2013 by Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court. Richards received 3 years of probation, a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund, and 300 hours of community service.
The investigation, which was led by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, was a major success for law enforcement in South Dakota. The task force worked tirelessly to bring Richards to justice and take him off the streets.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride prosecuted the case. Richards’ sentencing is a significant blow to the marijuana trafficking operation in the region.
The sentencing of Richards is a reminder that law enforcement is committed to keeping our communities safe from the dangers of marijuana trafficking. We will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice.
Richards’ sentence serves as a warning to those involved in marijuana trafficking that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Related Federal Cases
- Marijuana Kingpin Gets 27 Months in Prison · South Dakota
- Sioux City Heroin Kingpin Gets 25 Years · Iowa
- South Dakota Cartel Kingpin Sentenced to 33 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking · South Dakota
- Olympia Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Marijuana Trafficking Ring · Washington
- Rapid City Meth Kingpin Gets 17+ Years · South Dakota
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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