Sioux Falls Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man has been indicted by a federal grand jury for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine.

Jaden Rae Lalley-Mestas, age 23, was indicted on September 12, 2023. He appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Veronica L. Duffy on September 15, 2023, and pleaded not guilty to the Indictment.

The mandatory minimum penalty upon conviction is 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison and/or a $10,000,000 fine, five years minimum of supervised release, up to life, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. 

The Indictment alleges that from an unknown date through September 12, 2023, Lalley-Mestas conspired with others to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, a controlled substance.

The charge is merely an accusation and Lalley-Mestas is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty. 

The investigation is being conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the FBI.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges is prosecuting the case.   

Lalley-Mestas was detained in U.S. Marshals Service custody pending trial. A trial date has not been set.