PIERRE, S.D. – Two people are now facing charges in connection with recent deadly drug overdoses at the South Dakota State Penitentiary, as officials continue to crack down on drugs inside state correctional facilities.
According to the South Dakota Attorney General’s Office, 21-year-old inmate Manarion Timothy Douglas Fuse has been charged with two felonies—distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, and distribution of a controlled substance, synthetic cannabinoids. Investigators say Fuse provided a synthetic drug to fellow inmate Anthony Richards, who died at the penitentiary on Feb. 6, 2025. If convicted, Fuse faces up to 70 years in prison.
A second person, Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls, is accused of smuggling methamphetamine into the prison during a visit with inmate Jason Garreau on May 14. Garreau died the next day from an overdose. Ross is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death and faces a maximum sentence of 25 years.
“We are holding individuals accountable for distributing illegal drugs,” said Attorney General Jackley. “Their action led to the tragic and preventable loss of life.”
So far in 2025, 12 inmates have died while in state custody, including three confirmed overdose deaths. The Department of Corrections has since announced new efforts to address the flow of contraband into prison facilities.
