PIERRE, S.D. — Eleven people have been indicted in connection with the November 2025 drug overdose death of an inmate at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield. Those indicted include seven prison inmates, three private citizens and one person who was contracted by the state at the time of the alleged offenses.
The indictments stem from the death of Timothy Tyree, 46, who was found unresponsive in his cell in November and later died at a nearby hospital. South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley said an autopsy determined Tyree ingested synthetic cannabinoids, commonly known as K2. Investigators said other inmates got sick from K2 during the same time period.
“K2 is a synthetic cannabinoid. The challenge that we see not just in South Dakota prisons, but nationwide, is it’s easily placed on paper, and then it’s typically smoked,” said Jackley.
During a press conference Monday, Jackley said a food service employee who was contracted with the state, Tricia Bradley, 56, of Springfield, brought the drugs into the prison through an envelope with sheets. Investigators uncovered more than 60 stamp-sized pieces of K2. Jackley said the motive was financial, and there was a romantic relationship between an inmate and a private citizen.
“It’s appropriate in an investigation to look at gang activity,” Jackley said, stating that investigators found both Blood Gangs and Gangster Disciples involved.
“Illegal substances inside our prison walls create a dangerous environment for both inmates and staff,” said Jackley. “That’s why this year I introduced legislation to strengthen our law for anyone attempting to smuggle these poisons into our facilities and to deter and stop these drugs from resulting in another tragic overdose.”
According to charging documents, the indictments allege a network that distributed illegal drugs inside the prison, resulting in Tyree’s death.
Those charged include:
Vanessa Baker, 54, of Echo, Minnesota; Morgan Benson, 27, of Sioux Falls; Tricia Bradley, 56, of Springfield; and Kok Put Kach, 41, of Sioux Falls, each face five felony counts, including Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death, Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Distribution of Controlled Substance, and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate Each faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison.
Inmates Wicanhpiduta Brant, Tyler Gallant, and Saquan Pemberton each face six felony counts, including Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death, Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death, Distribution of Controlled Substance, Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate, and Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by Inmate. Each faces a maximum of 70 years in prison.
Inmates Duoth Kek and Komakeg Loyira each face five felony counts related to distribution, conspiracy and delivery of unauthorized articles, with a maximum of 60 years in prison.
Keith Hawk, 30, an inmate, faces two charges related to possession of prohibited controlled substances, carrying a combined maximum sentence of 15 years.
Trenton Redwater, 27, of Mitchell, faces two felony charges for aiding and abetting possession of a prohibited controlled substance by an inmate and keeping a place for the use or sale of a controlled substance. He was incarcerated at the time of the alleged crimes and faces up to 15 years in prison.
Prosecutors noted that potential sentences for some defendants could be longer under habitual offender statutes or laws allowing penalties to be doubled for crimes committed by inmates in state correctional facilities.
The defendants were indicted last week by a Bon Homme County grand jury.
Jackley said charges have now been filed in four of the eight suspected prison overdose deaths that occurred in 2025.
The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General. The Attorney General’s Office will handle prosecution.
