Eagle Butte Man and Woman Charged with Drug Offenses

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man and woman have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Michael Heideman, age 43, and Sierra Bridwell, a/k/a Sierra Red Water, a/k/a Sierra High Elk, age 21, were indicted on November 14, 2017.  Heideman appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 16, 2017.  Bridwell appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on November 21, 2017.  They both pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, at least 4 years of supervised release, and up to $200 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that between March 1, 2017, and November 14, 2017, Heideman and Bridwell knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated, and agreed to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.

The Indictment also alleges that on September 23, 2017, Heideman and Bridwell knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The charges are merely accusations and Heideman and Bridwell are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan N. Dilges is prosecuting the case.   

Heideman was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.  Bridwell was released on bond.  A trial date has been set for January 23, 2018.