United States Attorney Randolph J. Seiler announced that two Eagle Butte, South Dakota, women have been indicted by a federal grand jury for nine counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Aiding and Abetting.
Marla Cook, a/k/a Marlarae Danielle Iron Lightning, age 39, and Merlina Rose Marrowbone, age 31, were indicted on July 19, 2016. Both appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mark A. Moreno 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 between March and June of 2016, Cook knowingly and intentionally possessed and distributed methamphetamine, a Scheduled II controlled substance, on six different occasions. The Indictment further alleges that between September of 2015 and June of 2016, Marrowbone knowingly and intentionally possessed and distributed methamphetamine on four different occasions.
The charges are merely accusations and Cook and Marrowbone are 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.
Cook and Marrowbone were released on bond pending trial. Trial has been set for November 8, 2016.