McLaughlin Man Sentenced for Meth Trafficking and Gun Convictions

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a McLaughlin, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person was sentenced on December 17, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann.

Lawrence Leonard Malcolm, Sr., age 47, was sentenced to 22 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a fine of $1,000,  forfeiture of 2 firearms, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.

Malcolm was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 13, 2018.  He pled guilty on October 1, 2018.

The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on July 5, 2018, when Malcolm was arrested on an outstanding warrant.  During a vehicle search, several drug and drug paraphernalia items were found. Malcolm knowingly and intentionally possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance.  A further search of Malcolm’s home revealed two firearms, additional drugs, and drug paraphernalia items.  Malcolm admits to being a regular user of and addicted to a controlled substance, methamphetamine, making it illegal for him to possess firearms.

Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity.  Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers.  It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

This case was investigated by the Corson County Sheriff’s Office, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.

Malcolm was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.