Sioux Falls Man Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on November 13, 2018, by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier.

Brandon Gustav McGuire, age 31, was sentenced to 147 months in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

McGuire was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 4, 2018.  He pled guilty on August 23, 2018.

Beginning on an unknown date, and continuing until on or about March 20, 2018, McGuire, along with at least one other person, distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine in the District of South Dakota.

During his involvement, McGuire dealt over 500 grams of methamphetamine to co-conspirators in South Dakota.  He was aware that the methamphetamine he distributed would be sold to drug customers in the District of South Dakota, and elsewhere.  On March 20, 2018, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence in Sioux Falls, and located approximately 16 grams of methamphetamine, approximately five grams of heroin, and a Sturm, Ruger & Company Incorporated, model Security-Six, .357 Magnum caliber, double-action revolver bearing serial number 154-81297, and approximately 99 rounds of various ammunition.  

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 was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.

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