Michael LeBeau Sr., Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, South Dakota 2022

Pine Ridge Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

A Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Michael LeBeau Sr., 36, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and received a sentence of seven years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The sentencing hearing for LeBeau took place on January 3, 2022, before Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court. LeBeau was initially indicted by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2020, and pleaded guilty on June 17, 2020.

However, LeBeau’s sentencing was delayed due to his failure to return from a furlough between June 23, 2020, and August 2021. During this time, he absconded from the furlough program and was subsequently located.

According to court documents, LeBeau obtained approximately one pound of methamphetamine from multiple sources and distributed it to others between December 2017 and March 2020. Law enforcement also discovered a handgun, methamphetamine, and distribution paraphernalia during a search of his residence.

On another occasion, LeBeau fled from law enforcement and was apprehended after a short foot pursuit. The investigation into LeBeau’s activities was led by the Badlands Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, which consisted of agents from the Federal Bureau of Investigation, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Martin Police Department, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Following his sentencing, LeBeau was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. His case serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in illegal activities, particularly those related to the distribution of controlled substances.

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