United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that an Eagle Butte, South Dakota, woman has been indicted by a federal grand jury for three counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
Ree Amber Eagle Staff, age 34, was indicted on August 16, 2016. She appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno on August 25, 2016, 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, at least 3 years and up to life of supervised release, and $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
The Indictment alleges that on three different days in July of 2016, Eagle Staff knowingly and intentionally distributed methamphetamine, a Scheduled II controlled substance.
The charges are merely accusations and Eagle Staff is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The investigation is being conducted by the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services Narcotics Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting the case.
Eagle Staff was released on bond pending trial. Trial has been set for October 18, 2016.