Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Two women from different states have been sentenced in federal court for their roles in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. U.S. District Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange handed down the sentences to Catherine Hamilton, 55, of Mitchell, South Dakota, and Christine Hughes, 66, of North Jackson, Ohio.
Catherine Hamilton received a sentence of 57 months in federal prison followed by three years of supervised release. She was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Her sentencing took place on April 7, 2025.
Christine Hughes was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison with three years of supervised release and must also pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Her sentencing occurred on August 25, 2025.
Both women were indicted by a federal grand jury in April 2024 for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Hamilton pleaded guilty on January 27, 2025; Hughes entered her guilty plea on May 27, 2025.
According to court documents, Hamilton received several packages containing methamphetamine from Hughes via the United States Postal Service and then distributed the drugs within South Dakota.
The investigation involved the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Mitchell Police Department. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case.
"Hamilton and Hughes were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service."
