Batesland Man Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Abraham Romero, age 52, of Batesland, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on July 30, 2012, and pleaded guilty to count II of a superseding indictment that charged him with Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine.

The charge relates to Romero conspiring with others to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana in South Dakota between October 2008 and October 2011. The investigation was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Indian Affairs. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Ted L. McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for November 19, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.