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Press Release

Rosebud Woman Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of South Dakota

United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Rosebud, South Dakota, woman convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine was sentenced on January 13, 2020, by Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange, U.S. District Court.

Franki Lee Zephier, age 33, was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, a $1,000 fine, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $100.

Zephier was indicted by a federal grand jury on November 14, 2018.  She pled guilty on October 21, 2019.

The conviction stemmed from Zephier’s involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in 2016. Zephier conspired with others to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. In exchange for drugs and money, Zephier allowed her home to be used for the sale of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Chamberlain Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Sioux Falls Police Department.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Cameron J. Cook prosecuted the case.

Zephier was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Updated January 14, 2020

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Indian Country Law and Justice