South Dakota Woman Sentenced to Ten Years for Possession of Drugs and Firearm

United States Attorney Steven Russell announced that Kylah Whiting, 21, of Winner, South Dakota, was sentenced on April 28, 2023, by Senior United States District Court Judge John M. Gerrard to a total term of 10 years’ imprisonment following her conviction for possession of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute and carrying a firearm in relation to a drug trafficking crime. After she completes her prison sentence, Whiting will also serve five years on supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. Whiting pleaded guilty to both offenses on January 25, 2023.

On October 17, 2021, a Butler County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop a vehicle driven by Whiting. Whiting refused to stop and a highspeed chase ensued for the next 14 miles. Whiting lost control of the vehicle and wrecked. The vehicle driven by Whiting flipped over and was upside down as officers approached. Two occupants were seen attempting to climb out of the vehicle. Whiting told police there was a gun in the car. A sheriff’s deputy then spotted a Smith & Wesson handgun near the driver’s door. Whiting told police the handgun, as well as a backpack inside the vehicle, were hers. Whiting and her passenger were transported by ambulance to the hospital.

Police searched the car. Whiting’s backpack was found to contain two more firearms, a purse, numerous small baggies which are commonly used to package drugs for resale, four additional baggies containing approximately 293 grams of methamphetamine, and a digital scale. Police also found additional evidence in and around the vehicle consistent with drug distribution.

This case was investigated by the Butler County Sheriff’s Department and the Nebraska State Patrol.