McLaughlin Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of Marijuana

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Chaske Lyndon Little Bear, age 28, of McLaughlin, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Charles B. Kornmann on August 13, 2012, and pled guilty to count II of an indictment that charged him with Distribution of Marijuana. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in custody, a $250,000 fine, or both. Restitution may also be ordered.

The conviction arose from a March 2011 incident in which Little Bear sold marijuana. The drug quantity attributable to Little Bear is less than 250 grams of marijuana.

The Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force conducted the investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jay Miller.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 5, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.