Belle Fourche Man Pleds Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

September 29, 2009
Rapid City, SD

Acting U.S. Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that James Ray Droppers, age 29, of Belle Fourche, appeared before U.S. District Judge Richard H. Battey on September 29, 2009, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 40 years imprisonment and a $2,000,000 fine. Droppers pled guilty to conspiring with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in the Spearfish area during the summer of 2008 through November 2008. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy R. Jehangiri. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 24, 2009. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing. # # #