Pine Ridge Woman Pleads Guilty To Drug Conspiracy Charge

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Tricia Lee Pond, age 42, of Pine Ridge, South Dakota, appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy, on September 6, 2013, and pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. 
         
The penalty upon conviction is at least five, and not more than 40 years, in prison and/or a $5,000,000 fine.
         
Between 2009 and April 2013, Pond conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of cocaine on and around the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. 
         
The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date has not been set.  The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.