Chase May, a 35-year-old man from Madison, South Dakota, was sentenced on May 4 to five years in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier, according to an announcement made by United States Attorney Ron Parsons on May 5.
May will also serve four years of supervised release and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. He pleaded guilty on February 11 after being indicted by a federal grand jury in October 2024.
Investigators targeted May as part of an investigation into cocaine sales in Madison. Using a confidential informant, authorities conducted two controlled purchases of cocaine from him during the summer of 2024. When investigators learned that May had traveled to Omaha—believed to be for obtaining more narcotics—the South Dakota Highway Patrol stopped his vehicle and found 18 ounces of cocaine, seven pounds of marijuana, a pistol, and cash inside. A subsequent search warrant at his home uncovered three more ounces of cocaine and additional firearms. Investigators believe he was responsible for trafficking about one kilogram of cocaine during the conspiracy.
The case was investigated by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges.
May was immediately remanded into custody following sentencing.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota is the chief federal law enforcement office covering all federal criminal prosecutions and civil cases within its district; it enforces federal laws and advances public safety through law enforcement efforts dating back to its founding in 1861, according to the official website.
