Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to Over 19 Years in Federal Prison for Drug Conspiracy and Firearm Charges

RAPID CITY - United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced today that U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler sentenced a Pine Ridge, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Carrying a Firearm During a Drug Trafficking Offense. The sentencing took place on January 27, 2026.

James Shangreaux, age 43, was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and ordered to pay $200 in special assessments to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Forfeiture of the pistol was also ordered.

Shangreaux was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025. He pleaded guilty on September 18, 2025.

Shangreaux conspired with others to distribute at least 350 grams of methamphetamine in Rapid City and within the Pine Ridge Reservation. Shangreaux acted as an organizer and leader of the conspiracy, making trips to Colorado, as well as wiring money to his source of supply. Shangreaux's conspiracy was exposed following a pursuit that was terminated near the reservation and State boundary line. When ultimately taken into custody, Shangreaux was found in possession of methamphetamine as well as a 9mm caliber pistol that he attempted to conceal.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.

The case was investigated by the FBI and the Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen handled the prosecution.

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