A Sioux Falls man has been sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for his role in a string of drug and firearm crimes, according to a recent sentencing.
Willie Gene Murphy, Jr., 51, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, for his conviction on charges of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person, and Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
The sentencing took place on November 28, 2022 before District Judge Karen E. Schreier. Murphy, Jr. was also ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Murphy, Jr. was indicted by a federal grand jury in February 2022 on a slew of federal firearms and drug charges. He pleaded guilty to Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person on September 1, 2022. He went to trial on the remaining charges, where he was found guilty on both counts by a jury on September 7, 2022.
The investigation into Murphy, Jr. began after a confidential source came forward with information regarding his involvement in the sale of methamphetamine. Authorities conducted a controlled purchase of the substance from Murphy, Jr. and subsequently executed a traffic stop, seizing nearly 14 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine from the vehicle.
A subsequent search of Murphy, Jr.’s residence turned up an additional 124 grams of 100% pure methamphetamine, along with two pistols and an AR-15 rifle. As a convicted felon, Murphy, Jr. is prohibited from owning firearms, making the charges all the more severe.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Department of Criminal Investigation, Sioux Falls Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case. Murphy, Jr. was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Related Federal Cases
- Jonathan Blacksmith, Firearm and Drug Charges, South Dakota 2021 · New Hampshire
- Jamecus Lushawn Hodges, Possession of a Stolen Firearm and Failure to Appear, South Dakota 2021 · South Dakota
- Klaus Anderst, Gun and Drug Charges, South Dakota 2021 · New Hampshire
- Megan Smith, Gun and Drug Charges, South Dakota 2021 · New Hampshire
- Damion Goings, Firearm Charge, South Dakota 2021 · New Hampshire
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent CrimeDrug Trafficking|Violent Crime