PIERRE, S.D. – The owner of a Pierre, South Dakota smoke shop has pleaded guilty to drug charges. Bristol Nielsen, 29, of Fort Pierre, has pleaded guilty to one felony count of possession of a controlled substance and one misdemeanor count of possession of a substance for purpose of intoxication.
Nielsen owned Masterpiece Smoke Shop in Pierre. He is one of five smoke shop owners across South Dakota charged following an undercover operation in which officers conducted controlled buys between June 11 and June 13, 2025. Investigators reported purchasing products that included psilocybin mushrooms and high-THC items. The other shops involved were located in Sioux Falls, Aberdeen and Rapid City.
Nielsen had originally faced several additional charges, including possession with intent to distribute more than one pound of marijuana, possession with intent to distribute psilocin, violating a drug-free zone, and maintaining a place for the use or sale of a controlled substance.
He is scheduled to be sentenced April 21. The felony charge carries a maximum penalty of five years in state prison, while the misdemeanor charge is punishable by up to one year in the Hughes County Jail.
At the time of the indictment announcement last year, South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley urged parents to talk with their children about these products and to remain vigilant by checking backpacks and bedrooms.
“This operation should serve as a warning to stop selling dangerous drugs in our communities,” Jackley said. “We will continue working with our local law enforcement partners to protect our communities and keep our streets safe from dangerous and illegal products.”
