Sioux Falls Woman Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Meth

US Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Amanda Kathleen Kohler, age 31, of Sioux Falls, appeared before Chief US District Judge Karen E. Schreier on May 7, 2012, and pled guilty to an indictment that charged her with conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine. The offense carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and/or a $5 million fine, and a maximum possible sentence of 40 years in prison and/or a $5 million fine.

Kohler made two trips to Arizona with a co-conspirator to obtain methamphetamine, which she then helped to distribute in Sioux Falls.

The investigation was conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant US Attorney Amy M. Koopmann.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date was set for July 30, 2012. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the US Marshal pending sentencing.