FORT THOMPSON - An area man pleaded not guilty to a federal charge of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Lucas Evans, 28, of Fort Thompson, was indicted for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine on April 19 and pleaded not guilty before a U.S. magistrate court on May 9.
Between Dec. 1, 2013, and April 19, 2016, "Evans knowingly and intentionally combined, conspired, confederated and agreed with other persons to knowingly and intentionally distribute, and possess with intent to distribute, methamphetamine in South Dakota," according to a press release from U.S. Attorney Randolph Seiler.
Evans has gone by several pseudonyms, the press release said, including Abdul Evans, Lucas Harrison, Abdul Salom Harrison, Abubarker Harrison and Abubarker Shabazz Evans.
The maximum penalty upon conviction is up to 40 years in prison and a $5 million fine and a $100 fine to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The minimum penalty upon conviction is five years in prison and four years of supervised release. Restitution may also be ordered.
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The Bureau of Indian Affairs, Office of Justice Services, Crow Creek Agency and Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force are conducting the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney SaraBeth Donovan is prosecuting.
A trial has been scheduled for July.
