United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that Ashley Cottier, age 36, of Martin, South Dakota appeared before Chief U.S. District Judge Jeffrey L. Viken on Jan. 28, 2013 and pled guilty to distribution of a controlled substance. The maximum penalty upon conviction is 20 years' imprisonment and/or a $1,000,000 fine.
On or about June 6, 2012, Cottier illegally distributed Fentanyl. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, the Martin Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura A. Shattuck.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for May 7, 2013. The defendant was released on bond pending sentencing.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
