Martin Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Jimmy Joe Cottier, age 26, of Martin, South Dakota, appeared before United States District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on August 29, 2012, and pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged him with Distribution of a Controlled Substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

The charge relates to Cottier distributing marijuana at Martin on February 23, 2012. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant United States Attorney Laura Shattuck.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for December 14, 2012. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.