Sioux Falls Man Sentenced to More Than 15 Years in Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person. The sentencing took place on July 23, 2026.

Courtney Richmond, 49, was sentenced to 15 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $300 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Richmond was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and Possession of a Firearm by a Prohibited Person by a federal grand jury in November of 2024. He was found guilty following a 4-day jury trial in federal district court in Sioux Falls. The verdict was returned on April 10, 2026.

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, the Brookings Police Department, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Richmond was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.