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Three People Found Guilty of Drug Conspiracy Charges in South Dakota
Three individuals, Theresa Vocu, 45, of Kyle, South Dakota, and Zeno Little, 57, and Wesley Yellow Horse Sr., both 57, of Porcupine and Oglala, South Dakota, respectively, were found guilty of drug conspiracy charges following a federal jury trial in U.S. District Court in Rapid City, South Dakota.
Vocu faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine for her conviction of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine. Meanwhile, Little and Yellow Horse face not more than 5 years’ imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine for their conviction of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
The investigation that led to these convictions began on or about October of 2008 and resulted in federal charges against 18 individuals. The conspiracy involved the distribution of marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
During the course of the conspiracy, Abraham Romero would receive marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine from Reyes Chavez-Rojo and Lorenzo Camacho Tarango, a/k/a Lencho a/k/a Lecho, and other persons. The remaining individuals conspired to distribute and/or distributed marijuana, cocaine, and/or methamphetamine.
Prior to the guilty verdicts on August 30, 2013, 15 other defendants had already pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance(s).
The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Shattuck.
Sentencing dates for Vocu, Little, and Yellow Horse have not been set.
The guilty verdicts are a significant blow to the drug trafficking ring, which had been operating on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation for several years. The collaboration between law enforcement agencies and prosecutors is a testament to their commitment to combating drug trafficking in the region.
The people of South Dakota can rest a little easier knowing that these individuals will face justice for their crimes. As the investigation continues, it is likely that more arrests and convictions will follow, bringing an end to this notorious drug trafficking ring.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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