SIOUX FALLS, S.D. – The U.S. Attorney’s Office in South Dakota indicted 88 people between April and August 2025 for federal drug trafficking charges involving cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. The cases include 16 defendants arrested during Operation Snowy Ridge, a two-day, multi-agency takedown in western South Dakota. Prosecutors also highlighted the arrest of Mario Balquier, a U.S. citizen accused of being a large-scale meth dealer with direct ties to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. Balquier fled to Mexico in 2013 after being indicted on federal drug charges, but was recently captured in a high-risk fugitive arrest with help from South Dakota-based federal agents.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell said the indictments stem from “sophisticated, long-term investigations” carried out by federal, state, tribal, and local partners, many working together through long-standing drug task forces.
Among the notable prosecutions this year:
United States v. Rikki Barrowman, et al. — Barrowman was sentenced to nearly 23 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (150 pounds of methamphetamine) throughout Pierre, Rapid City, and several South Dakota reservations.
United States v. Guillermo Calderon, et al. — Calderon was sentenced to 25 years in prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine) within the Pine Ridge Reservation and Rapid City area.
United States v. Curtis Cummings, et al. — A fentanyl distribution case that resulted in a death. Cummings was sentenced to 30 years.
United States v. Nathan Johnson, et al. — A 24-defendant methamphetamine conspiracy called one of the largest drug conspiracies in South Dakota history. Leaders received 27–36 years.
United States v. Cory Linderman, et al. — Linderman was part of a group of people who worked together to traffic approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Rapid City area. He was sentenced to 23 years in federal prison, and other co-conspirators received sentences ranging from 14-22 ½ years.
United States v. Quantiae Harris, et al. — A 26-defendant meth and fentanyl conspiracy in the Sioux Falls area. Sentences so far include 10–16 years.
United States v. Misty Stahlhoefer, et al. — A meth distribution case tied to the Pierre area. Stahlhoefer was sentenced to 21 years, while other co-conspirators received sentences ranging from 2-18 years.
United States v. Calvin Taylor, et al. — A meth distribution case in Aberdeen. Two defendants received 10 and 25 years; Taylor awaits sentencing.
