Federal prosecutors in South Dakota have successfully dismantled four major drug trafficking organizations (DTOs) over the past year, leading to federal convictions against 54 defendants and securing over 660 years in federal prison sentences. These coordinated, long-term investigations targeted groups responsible for flooding South Dakota communities with more than 1,000 pounds of methamphetamine and multiple kilograms of fentanyl, often linked to Mexican cartels.
U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons announced the results, emphasizing the significant impact on the state. "Behind every ounce of methamphetamine and every fentanyl pill in these cases is a South Dakota family that has suffered and felt the damage. That is who this work is for," Parsons said. The DTOs operated across Sioux Falls, Rapid City, and the Pine Ridge Reservation, involving suppliers from out-of-state and local distributors.
A capstone of these efforts is the sentencing of Quantiae Harris, 49, of Las Vegas, Nevada, to 33 years in federal prison on June 24, 2026. Harris, the leader of a California and Nevada-based DTO, was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. His organization was notably responsible for introducing powder fentanyl, a highly lethal substance, to the Sioux Falls illegal drug market.
Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie of the DEA Omaha Field Division commented on the sentencing, saying, "The actions of Quantiae Harris and his associates made detrimental and lasting impacts on communities across South Dakota. Today’s sentencing sends a strong message to drug traffickers looking to make their mark in our state." IRS-Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge William Steenson added that IRS-CI agents are "committed to working alongside our federal law enforcement partners to trace the money trails that lead to the disruption of dangerous drug trafficking organizations."
Additional members of the Harris DTO also received substantial sentences, including Faily Chavez, 31, sentenced to 24 years and four months; Kyle Schryvers, 33, sentenced to 16 years; and Nicole Kritz, 48, sentenced to five years and 10 months. These cases, alongside the takedowns of the Juan Sertuche, Matthew Shade, and Darrel Devorce DTOs, represent a comprehensive effort to disrupt drug supply networks.
The investigations involved a wide array of federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies, reflecting a multi-agency model. U.S. Attorney Parsons highlighted that these actions are part of a national strategy under President Trump aimed at the total elimination of cartels and the eradication of illegal drug trafficking. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota affirmed its commitment to continuing aggressive prosecution until supply networks are dismantled.