Rosebud Woman Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Franki Lee Zephier, age 32, was indicted on November 14, 2018. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on April 15, 2019, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, up to a lifetime of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that beginning no later than on or about January 1, 2017, and continuing to on or about November 14, 2018, Zephier knowingly and intentionally conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The charge is merely an accusation and Zephier is 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 Cameron J. Cook is prosecuting the case.   

Zephier was released on bond pending trial.  A trial date has not been set.