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Press Release
United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two men and a woman from the Corn Creek Community in Mellette County, South Dakota, have been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Henry Paul Gorisek, Jr., age 46; Helen Ann Clifford, age 43; and Ty Wesley Clifford, age 22, were indicted on January 21, 2016. On January 26, 2016, and February 3, 2016, they appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno 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, 3 years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that between May 14, 2014, and September 19, 2015, Gorisek, and Helen and Ty Clifford knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana. The Indictment also alleges that on or about September 19, 2015, in Mellette County, Gorisek, and Helen and Ty Clifford knowingly possessed a firearm and were prohibited persons because they are users of and addicted to a controlled substance. Gorisek is also alleged to be a prohibited person because of a prior felony.
The charges are merely an accusation and Gorisek, Helen Clifford, and Ty Clifford are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
All three were remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.