SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — A Sioux Falls man and woman have been sentenced for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that brought an estimated 200 pounds of methamphetamine into the region.
Julia Pewo, 63, was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison, while Coye Nohava, 42, received a 14-year sentence.
The two served as sub-distributors in a drug trafficking conspiracy led by Matthew Shade of Tea, South Dakota. Shade worked with others in Arizona to obtain methamphetamine and transport it to South Dakota, either through the mail or by vehicle.
Pewo and Nohava obtained methamphetamine from co-conspirators connected to Shade and distributed it to others. Prosecutors attributed approximately 13 pounds of methamphetamine to Pewo and 4 pounds to Nohava.
Nohava also received an obstruction enhancement for committing perjury while testifying in his own defense at trial.
As Emily’s Hope previously reported, Shade, 48, was sentenced to 21 years in federal prison for his central role in bringing fentanyl and hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine into the Sioux Falls area.
“In all likelihood, the fentanyl and methamphetamine seized from this criminal’s operation would have killed some people who are alive right now in Sioux Falls. This investigation, prosecution, and substantial federal prison sentence have given them another chance at life,” U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said.
Pewo and Nohava were indicted on charges of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance by a federal grand jury in July 2025. Both were found guilty following a three-day jury trial that ended in August 2026.
The U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office and Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force investigated the case.
