Sioux Falls Man Convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Illegal Possession of a Firearm

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a jury has convicted Courtney Richmond, age 49, of Sioux Falls, South Dakota of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance - Methamphetamine, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on April 10, 2026.

The charges for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance each carry a mandatory minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison, a $10 million dollar fine, at least five years and up to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. The charge for Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person carries a sentence of up to 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Richmond was indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024.

Investigators with Homeland Security Investigations started investigating Richmond late in 2022 and the DEA started looking into him in the Fall of 2023. Investigators discovered that Richmond was sourcing methamphetamine to at least one other person who was then reselling it to others. They observed text and Facebook messages between the two that confirmed their drug related dealings. Eventually, investigators obtained warrants for Richmond's person, residences, and vehicles. On December 14, 2023, investigators stopped Richmond in a vehicle that had his company's BBQ food truck logo on the side. They searched the vehicle and found approximately 75 grams of methamphetamine and a loaded pistol. They then searched his home and found an additional 216 grams of methamphetamine and another loaded firearm. Richmond is not allowed to possess firearms due to four prior felony convictions from the state of Minnesota. The investigation into Richmond and his associates resulted in the seizure of approximately 300 grams of methamphetamine.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Brookings Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

A presentence investigation was ordered, and a sentencing date will be set for a later date. The defendant was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.