United States Attorney Brendan V. Johnson announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.

Michael Scott Hearon, age 46, was indicted on November 13, 2014. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on January 14, 2015, and pled not guilty to the Indictment.

The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 20 years in custody and/or a $1,000,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and $400 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.

The Indictment alleges that on or about between June 22, 2013, and February 3, 2014, Hearon knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with others to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance. The Indictment also alleges that Hearon, on June 22, 2013, and October 18, 2013, knowingly and intentionally distributed and possessed with intent to distribute methamphetamine and marijuana.

The charges are merely accusations and Hearon is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Bureau of Indian Affairs. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jay Miller is prosecuting the case.

Hearon was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending trial. A trial date has not been set.