United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that Eli
Erickson, a/k/a Black, age 32, of Mission, South Dakota, was found guilty of
Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, Possession of Firearms in Furtherance
of a Drug Trafficking Crime, and Drug User in Possession of Firearms as a
result of a 3-day federal jury trial in Pierre, South Dakota.
The charges carry a maximum penalty of at least 15 years up
to life in federal prison, and/or a $10,000,000 fine, at least 5 years of
supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims
Fund. Restitution may also be ordered, as well as forfeiture of numerous
firearms and U.S. currency.
Erickson was indicted on November 14, 2018, and a
Superseding Indictment was filed on September 10, 2019.
From 2015 through 2018, Erickson knowingly and intentionally
conspired with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500
grams or more of methamphetamine. The
trial testimony showed the conspiracy involved importing pounds of methamphetamine
from Nebraska and distributing it on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. During this time, Erickson possessed two
firearms in furtherance of his drug trafficking operation, namely by using the
weapons to protect his home from which he sold methamphetamine. Erickson also possessed these firearms, and a
number of other firearms, while being a methamphetamine user.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug
dealers. It is common to find drug
traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and
cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a
program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities
they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for
everyone. The Department of Justice
reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent
criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with
federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to
develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law
Enforcement Services; the Stanley County Sherriff’s Office; the Lexington,
Nebraska, Police Department; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and
Explosives; the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force; and
the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.
A sentencing date has not been set. Erickson was immediately remanded to the
custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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