October 27, 2009
Rapid City, SD
United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Nicole Big Crow, age 33, of Pine Ridge, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on October 27, 2009, and pled guilty to an Indictment that charged her with Possession With Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine. On October 24, 2008, Big Crow, during a traffic stop, was found to be in possession of cocaine which she intended to distribute on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. The investigation was conducted by the OST and BIA. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant US Attorney Mark A. Vargo. A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing. # # # |
