Rapid City Woman Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Gloria Louisa Barrera, age 28, of Rapid City, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on August 1, 2012, and pled guilty to a federal charge of Conspiracy to Distribute Marijuana. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine.

The charge relates to Barrera conspiring with others to distribute 50 kilograms or more of marijuana in South Dakota between 2008 and 2011. The investigation was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. 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 30, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the United States Marshal pending sentencing.