MITCHELL, S.D. — Nine people have been charged in connection with an alleged cocaine distribution network in Davison County that authorities say involved undocumented immigrants.
According to South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, the nine suspects were indicted Wednesday, Oct. 29, by a Davison County grand jury. All 36 charges are felonies and involve cocaine.
“These drug traffickers are bringing dangerous drugs into our state; that has to stop,” Jackley said.
The alleged offenses occurred between March 1 and Sept. 1, 2025.
Three of the suspects — identified as Milton Velasques-Barrera, Guillermo Hernandez and Josselin Zuniga — are citizens of Guatemala and also face federal immigration charges. Jackley said the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is working with federal authorities on that issue.
“Earlier this year, I signed a 287(g) agreement with the federal government to allow DCI to help arrest undocumented individuals who have committed violent crimes or are involved in drug dealing,” Jackley said. “We will continue to work with federal authorities on such cases.”
Those indicted and the charges they face are:
• Milton Velasques-Barrera, 35, of Mitchell — Six counts of distribution of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone; six counts of distribution of a controlled substance; two counts of possession of a controlled substance; and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Brian Medrano-Eudales, 32, of Mitchell — One count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, and possession of a controlled substance.
• Estuardo Corado, 31, of Mitchell — Two counts each of distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, and possession of a controlled substance; and one count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Guillermo Hernandez, 27, of Mitchell — One count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance, distribution of a controlled substance in a drug-free zone, and possession of a controlled substance.
• Josselin Zuniga, 32, of Mitchell — One count each of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and accessory to a crime.
• Timothy Antonie, 50, of Mitchell — One count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Jorge Prendes, 39, of Mitchell — One count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Hector Cartagena, 38, of Ethan — One count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
• Michael Morrison, 47, of Mitchell — One count of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota DCI and the Mitchell Police Department.
