United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that a Yankton, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for his participation in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy.
Richard Allen Schaefer, age 42, was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 9, 2013, for conspiracy to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge John E. Simko on July 17, 2013, and pled not guilty to the indictment.
The charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison and/or a $10 million fine. The charge is merely an accusation and Schaefer is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Sioux Falls Police Department, the S.D. Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney John E. Haak is prosecuting the case.
Schaefer was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
