Rapid City, SD – In a grim milestone for the city’s battle against drug crime, Michael Cole, also known as ‘Texas’, has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution conspiracy. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier on August 15, 2025, marks the culmination of a year-long investigation.
Cole, aged 34, pleaded guilty to two counts of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance in March 2025. His conviction stemmed from his activities between January and February 2024, when he was involved in a conspiracy to distribute drugs across Rapid City. The defendant traveled to Colorado to purchase large quantities of meth and fentanyl, which he then transported back to South Dakota for resale.
At the time of his latest offense, Cole was already on federal supervised release for a prior drug conspiracy conviction. His new sentence includes five years of supervised release following his prison term and an order to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The investigation that led to Cole’s downfall resulted in the seizure of over seven pounds of meth and more than 2,000 counterfeit fentanyl pills, potentially headed for distribution in Rapid City. ‘This case has been a top priority for our office,’ said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell. ‘Cole will be behind bars for two decades, where he belongs.’
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, a collaborative effort between the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, local law enforcement agencies, and the National Guard Counter Drug Unit, conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward C. Tarbay handled the prosecution.
Cole was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following his sentencing. The sentence is yet another blow against the drug trade in Rapid City, underscoring law enforcement’s commitment to ridding the city of its most dangerous elements.”
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Related Federal Cases
- “Texas” Cole Gets 20 Years for Meth & Fentanyl Flood · Colorado
- Rapid City Man Gets Life for Meth Conspiracy · Colorado
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- Colorado Man Indicted for Sexual Misconduct Against Minors · Colorado
- Colorado Man Sentenced to 30 Years for Fentanyl Distribution · Colorado
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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