PIERRE, S.D. – A fifth Pierre, South Dakota resident has been sentenced in connection with a major methamphetamine distribution ring that operated across central South Dakota. Heather Stahlhoefer, 38, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison after pleading guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Prosecutors say the operation began in June 2023 and continued through Sept. 2024.
According to court documents, Heather and her co-defendant, Misty Stahlhoefer, were the primary suppliers for several other people distributing meth in the Pierre area. The two allegedly traveled to acquire up to a pound of methamphetamine per trip, which was then redistributed by a network that included Whitney Marrowbone, Wendy Mealer, Brent Larvie, and David Rinehart.
The conspiracy involved an estimated 10,000 to 30,000 kilograms of converted drug weight. During a traffic stop, authorities seized 550 grams of pure methamphetamine from Heather Stahlhoefer.
Misty Stahlhoefer is scheduled to be sentenced on July 14, 2025.
The others involved were sentenced on May 5, 2025:
- Whitney Marrowbone received 11 years in federal prison
- Wendy Mealer was sentenced to 6 years
- Brent Larvie received 4.5 years
- David Rinehart was sentenced to 2 years
The investigation was conducted by the FBI Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Pierre Police Department, the Chamberlain Police Department, and the Lyman County Sheriff’s Office.
