Eagle Butte Woman Indicted for Distribution of a Controlled Substance

United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Distribution of a Controlled Substance.

Ebony Hope Justyne Cook, age 20, was indicted on October 12, 2016.  She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark Moreno on December 13, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on three occasions, July 19, 20, and 22, 2016, in Eagle Butte, Cook knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. 

The charges are merely an accusation and Cook is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.   

Cook was released on bond pending trial.  Trial is set for February 21, 2017.