FT. THOMPSON, SD – Michael George Fallis, 41, of Ft. Thompson, South Dakota, is facing serious federal charges after being indicted by a grand jury on allegations of running a methamphetamine operation. The indictment accuses Fallis of not only distributing the deadly drug but also of providing a haven for its use – a ‘drug involved premises,’ according to court documents.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced the indictment on April 9, 2019, detailing a conspiracy that allegedly spanned from an unknown date, but no later than December 1, 2015, through November 14, 2018. The feds claim Fallis knowingly conspired with others to distribute and possess methamphetamine with intent to distribute it throughout South Dakota. The indictment doesn’t shy away from the severity of the accusations, painting a picture of a sustained and deliberate criminal enterprise.
Fallis appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 24, 2019, and entered a plea of not guilty. If convicted, Fallis could face a lifetime behind bars and a staggering $10,000,000 fine. Beyond imprisonment and financial penalties, the indictment also carries the potential for a lifetime of supervised release and a mandatory $100 payment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund per count, with restitution also a possibility.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, suggests a deep dive into Fallis’s activities. The Northern Plains Safe Trails task force is known for targeting drug trafficking in rural and tribal areas, making this case particularly significant. While the investigation details remain largely sealed, the involvement of the BIA points to a potential connection to tribal lands.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is leading the prosecution, suggesting the government intends to pursue the case aggressively. Fallis has been released on bond pending trial, but a trial date has not yet been scheduled. The wheels of justice are turning, but proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt will be the challenge.
It’s crucial to remember that these are merely accusations, and Fallis is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges carry significant weight, and a conviction would have devastating consequences. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, shining a light on the dark underbelly of drug trafficking in the heartland.
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Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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