Mission man pled not guilty to distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Mission, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for distribution of a controlled substance, possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance, and possession of a controlled substance.

Clement Paul Valandra, age 57, was indicted by a federal grand jury on February 8, 2011. He appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on February 15, 2011, and pled not guilty to the indictment. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both; 2 years of supervised release; and a $100 special assessment. Restitution may also be ordered.

The charge is merely an accusation, and Valandra is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case. A trial date has not yet been set.