United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Orlando Dones-Vargas, a/k/a “Landy," age 32, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota, was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine as a result of a federal jury trial in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The jury returned the verdict on Jan. 30, 2018.
The conspiracy charge, involving over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine, mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The possession with intent charge, involving more than 5 grams of pure methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in custody and/or a $5 million fine, mandatory minimum of 4 years and a maximum of life of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Dones-Vargas was indicted by a federal grand jury on September 6, 2017, and a Superseding Indictment was filed January 9, 2018.
Dones-Vargas was arrested on Aug. 20, 2017, for driving with a suspended license. During the booking process at the Minnehaha County Jail, it was discovered that he was concealing more than 13 grams of methamphetamine (96% pure) in his groin area. Further investigation revealed Dones-Vargas’ extensive involvement in the distribution of methamphetamine in the Sioux Falls area.
This case was investigated by the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer D. Mammenga prosecuted the case.
A presentence investigation was ordered and a sentencing date was set for April 23, 2018. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
