William Patrick Holmes, Marijuana Conspiracy, South Dakota 2013

State: South Dakota
Category: Drug Trafficking
Source: <a href="https://www.justice.gov/usao-sd/pr/additional-indictments-operation-black-widow" style="color:#cc0000;" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">DOJ Press Release ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â‚¬Â Ã¢â‚¬â€

Watertown, SD – In a shocking turn of events, two men from Watertown have been indicted in a marijuana conspiracy case that has left law enforcement officials reeling.

According to sources, William Patrick Holmes, 42, and Todd Karl Bramer, 46, were indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2013, for their involvement in a conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana.

The indictment is part of Operation Black Widow, a multi-year investigation into various alleged criminal activities, including illegal gun and drug trafficking.

The investigation, led by the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF), has been ongoing since May 2013 and has resulted in the arrest and indictment of several individuals. Holmes and Bramer are the latest to be charged in connection with the investigation.

Both men appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 11, 2013, and pled not guilty to the indictment. If convicted, they face a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in custody.

The previously filed indictment that charged six individuals with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine has been superseded to add the marijuana conspiracy count. Two of the methamphetamine conspiracy defendants, Eric Allen Block and Patricio Rodriguez Pena, were also charged with Holmes and Bramer in the marijuana conspiracy.

The investigation into Operation Black Widow is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. In the meantime, Holmes and Bramer will remain on bond pending trial. A date for their trial has not been set.

The people have a right to know when their neighbors are engaging in illicit activities. Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Related Federal Cases