Crime Hits Close to Home: Eagle Butte Man and Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance
An Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man and woman have been taken into custody for their alleged involvement in a drug conspiracy.
Michael Heideman, age 43, and Sierra Bridwell, a/k/a Sierra Red Water, a/k/a Sierra High Elk, age 21, were indicted on November 14, 2017, for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
The investigation, led by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, alleges that Heideman and Bridwell knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, between March 1, 2017, and November 14, 2017.
The charges are merely accusations, and Heideman and Bridwell are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Heideman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2017, and Bridwell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 21, 2017. They both pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Heideman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service, while Bridwell was released on bond. A trial date has been set for January 23, 2018.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case. The investigation is ongoing, and further charges may be filed.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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