South Dakota Man Gets 15 Years for Meth, Fentanyl Ring

Terry Morris III, a 24-year-old Victorville, California man, has been sentenced to 15 years in federal prison for his role in a massive methamphetamine and fentanyl conspiracy that spanned from California to South Dakota.

Morris III, who pleaded guilty on March 15, 2024, was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

This conspiracy, which involved Morris III and five other co-conspirators, was orchestrated by his father, Terry Morris Jr., while he was incarcerated in a California prison for murder. Using a smuggled-in cell phone, Morris Jr. communicated with his family and other co-defendants to distribute large amounts of methamphetamine and fentanyl in the Sioux Falls, South Dakota area.

According to court documents, Morris III was involved in the distribution of approximately 27 pounds of methamphetamine and hundreds of fentanyl pills during his involvement in this conspiracy. His father, Morris Jr., is attributed with distributing at least 200 pounds of methamphetamine and 80,000 fentanyl pills. The drugs were sourced from Mexican cartels.

This case was investigated by the FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Morris Jr.’s sentencing took place on November 13, 2023, where he received a 33-year and four-month sentence for his Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance charge. He was also sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for his Conspiracy to Launder Monetary Instruments charge. Both sentences were ordered to run concurrently with each other, but consecutive to his sentence in California. He was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

This is the latest development in a string of convictions related to this case. Other defendants, including Rigoberto Hernandez, Reginald Davis, Kessara Mikkelson, and Asia Gunhammer, have also been sentenced in connection with the conspiracy.

Terry Morris III’s sentencing brings an end to a complex and lengthy investigation into the methamphetamine and fentanyl ring that was operating in the Sioux Falls area. The operation of this ring has had devastating effects on the community, and this conviction is a significant step towards justice.

The investigation into this case was a collaborative effort between law enforcement agencies, and we commend their dedication to bringing these individuals to justice. We hope that this conviction serves as a warning to others who would seek to engage in similar activities that they will be caught and held accountable.

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