Wanblee Man Pleads Guilty To Controlled Substance Charge

United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Howard Red Elk, age 45, of Wanblee, South Dakota appeared before Chief Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court, on March 8, 2013 and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 5 years of imprisonment and/or a $250,000 fine.

Between January 2012, and continuing to July 24, 2012, Red Elk conspired to distribute marijuana in South Dakota. The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Justice Services, and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Ted McBride.

A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for June 6, 2013. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.