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South Dakota Trio Sentenced in Large Marijuana Ring
Four people have been sentenced in a large drug conspiracy ring operating in South Dakota, according to the Southern District of South Dakota U.S. Attorney’s Office.
Wesley Yellow Horse Sr., 58, was sentenced to 57 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
Theresa Vocu, 45, was sentenced to 36 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.
Elwanda Fire Thunder, 49, was sentenced to 21 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
Kimberly Janis, 51, was sentenced to 46 months in custody, 3 years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana.
The investigation began in October 2008 and resulted in federal charges against 18 individuals, including Abraham Romero, Richard Marshall, Lorenzo Camacho Tarango, a/k/a Lencho, a/k/a Lecho, Reyes Chavez-Rojo, Billi American Horse, Jimmy Bravo, Elwanda Fire Thunder, Kimberly Janis, Zeno Little, Norton Little Spotted Horse, Moses Montileaux, Jr., Moses Montileaux, Sr., Whisper Montileaux, Stephanie Standing Soldier, Edward Vocu, Theresa Vocu, Cassie Winters, and Wesley Yellow Horse, Sr.
The defendants conspired to distribute marijuana, cocaine, and methamphetamine on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation.
The case was investigated by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride and Special Assistant Laura A. Shattuck prosecuted the case.
The four defendants were immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Three defendants from this drug conspiracy remain to be sentenced, which is scheduled for later this month.
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Fraud & Financial Crimes|Violent Crime|Sex Crimes|Cybercrime|Public Corruption|Weapons|Human Trafficking|White Collar Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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