Paul Frost, Meth and Firearm Charges, South Dakota 2019

A Pierre, South Dakota man has been sentenced to 24 months in federal prison for meth and firearm charges.

Paul Frost, age 47, was sentenced on July 29, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange, after being convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.

The convictions stemmed from an incident that occurred on June 15, 2018, where Frost knowingly and intentionally possessed with the intent to distribute methamphetamine. Further, on both April 3, 2017, and June 15, 2018, Frost, being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, did knowingly illegally possess firearms.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the Pierre Police Department investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Frost will report to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on August 6, 2019, to begin serving his 24-month sentence. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200. In addition, Frost will serve 3 years of supervised release after his prison term.

The case is a reminder that law enforcement is committed to reducing violent crime and protecting our communities from the dangers of drug trafficking.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/pierre-man-sentenced-meth-and-firearm-charges