An Arizona man was sentenced on July 20 to more than 21 years in federal prison for conspiring with others to distribute fentanyl in western South Dakota, according to United States Attorney Ron Parsons. United States District Judge Camela C. Theeler handed down the sentence after John Parrado, 38, pleaded guilty earlier this year.
Parrado received a sentence of 21 years and 10 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Parrado was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2025 and entered his guilty plea on January 5, 2026.
According to prosecutors, Parrado conspired with others during 2025 to obtain fentanyl from out of state and distribute it within South Dakota. Much of the supply was sent through the U.S. mail system. Investigators determined that Parrado personally distributed approximately 400 grams of fentanyl within the state.
“This is another step forward in eliminating these deadly substances from our state,” said Parsons. “My deepest thanks go out to the strong detective work of the Rapid City Police, the DEA, ATF, and Postal Inspection Service, working together to reel in this fentanyl dealer and put him away.”
The case was investigated by multiple agencies including the Rapid City Police Department, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Peterson prosecuted the case.
Parrado was immediately remanded into custody following sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota serves as chief federal law enforcement officer for its district; handles criminal prosecutions and civil cases; supports initiatives that improve public safety; covers all areas within South Dakota; advances community safety; and operates as a federal prosecutorial office, according to its official website.