Hill City Man Pleads Guilty To Conspiracy To Distribute Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Francisco Escobar-Tinjero, age 49, of Hill City, South Dakota appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy, on May 30, 2013 and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is not less than 5 or more than 40 years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,000,000 fine.

From approximately June 2010 until April 4, 2012, Escobar-Tinjero conspired and agreed with others to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine in South Dakota.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, and the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted L. McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for September 27, 2013. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal pending sentencing.