United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, two counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person.
Benjamin Young, a/k/a Benjamin Two Eagle, age 34, was indicted on May 17, 2016. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on May 26, 2016, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.
The maximum penalty upon conviction of the three drug charges is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. The maximum penalty upon conviction of the firearm charge is up to 10 years in custody and/or a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund for each charge. Restitution may also be ordered.
It is alleged that between Jan. 1, 2015, and May 17, 2016, Young conspired with others to distribute methamphetamine, and that on Sept. 19, 2015, and Sept. 23, 2015, Young possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. It is also alleged that on Sept. 23, 2015, while being an unlawful user of a controlled substance, Young possessed a firearm in violation of federal law.
The charge is merely an accusation and Young is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services and the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
Young was released on bond pending trial. A trial date has not been set.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
