SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) is investigating the eighth suspected drug overdose death of a state prison inmate since February. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said the latest death happened Thursday, Nov. 27, at the Jameson Prison in Sioux Falls. Authorities are awaiting test results on the autopsy of 37-year-old Larry Franklin.
“We will determine if criminal charges are warranted after the investigation is completed. This legislative session I intend on bringing legislation to address the drugs that are entering our correctional institutions,” said Jackley.
The death comes just weeks after Emily’s Hope reported a separate suspected overdose at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield.
Of the eight inmate deaths investigated this year, two cases have resulted in felony charges:
• Manarion Timothy Douglas Fuse, 21, is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids. Investigators say he provided a synthetic drug to inmate Anthony Richards, who died at the penitentiary on Feb. 6, 2025. If convicted, Fuse faces up to 70 years in prison.
• Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls, is accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the prison during a May 14 visit with inmate Jason Garreau. Garreau died the next day. Ross is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and faces up to 25 years.
Both cases are scheduled for jury trials in January.
The remaining inmate deaths are still under investigation, and Jackley said additional criminal charges are likely.
