Stephanie Martinez, Drug Trafficking, South Dakota 2023

Pierre Woman Sentenced for Methamphetamine Conspiracy

PIERRE - In a harsh sentence, Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange ordered Stephanie Martinez, 38, to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in central South Dakota.

Martinez, a Pierre woman, was involved in a conspiracy with several others to distribute methamphetamine in and around the area. She received distributable quantities of methamphetamine from others in California, which was further distributed by Martinez and those working for her.

According to the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol, Martinez was involved in the distribution of 1.5 kilograms of methamphetamine during the course of the conspiracy.

After being indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2021, Martinez pleaded guilty on July 11, 2022. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges.

Martinez was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following her sentencing on January 24, 2023. She was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

The Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force and the South Dakota Highway Patrol led the investigation into Martinez's activities.

Stephanie Martinez, 38, was sentenced to 11 years and 8 months in federal prison for her role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy in central South Dakota.

The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of narcotics trafficking and the severe consequences that come with it.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/pierre-woman-sentenced-drug-trafficking