Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
A jury in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has convicted Christopher Spider, also known as "House," and Lance Brunsting of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine following a four-day trial. The verdict, delivered on March 27, 2025, came after federal prosecutors presented evidence of a large-scale methamphetamine distribution network throughout South Dakota, including the Crow Creek Reservation.
The charges against both men come with a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and could result in life imprisonment. Additionally, they face fines up to $10 million, supervised release of up to life, and a $100 special assessment.
Spider, aged 45 and from South Dakota, received an additional conviction for tampering with a witness. This charge could add up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine to his sentence. Under indictment, Spider attempted to intimidate a witness by sending a letter encouraging her to change her testimony.
Lance Brunsting, a 56-year-old resident of Colorado, facilitated the distribution process, which involved hundreds of pounds of methamphetamine. He traveled to South Dakota with co-conspirators to assist in the selling of approximately 41 pounds of the illegal substance.
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell commented on the historical significance of the case, noting, "Christopher Spider and Lance Brunsting were involved in one of the largest methamphetamine conspiracies in South Dakota history." She credited the collaborative efforts of various law enforcement agencies for the successful prosecution.
The Drug Enforcement Administration's Acting Special Agent in Charge, Rafael Mattei, emphasized the implications of the convictions, stating: "The two individuals convicted last week are responsible for inflicting immeasurable harm on members of our South Dakota communities."
The investigation involved several regional and national agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, among others. Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Petersen led the prosecution of the case.
A sentencing date is set for June 16, 2025. Until then, both defendants will remain in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
