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Press Release

Florida Man Charged With Conspiracy And Possession With Intent To Distribute A Controlled Substance

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Key West, Florida man has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Michael Pearlingi, age 44, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 2, 2013 for Conspiracy and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Pearlingi appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 5, 2013 and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is not more than 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both; at least 3 years of supervised release and an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation. Restitution and a $100 special assessment may also be ordered.

The charges are merely accusations, and Pearlingi is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich is prosecuting the case.

Pearlingi was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal Service. A trial date has been set for May 14, 2013.

Updated June 22, 2015