U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell | U.S. Department of Justice
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell has announced the sentencing of two individuals from North Dakota in a federal drug distribution case. U.S. District Judge Charles B. Kornmann sentenced Richard Rasmusson, 44, and Leslie Apple, 40, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.
Rasmusson received a sentence of ten years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $1,000 fine and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Apple was sentenced to 15 years in federal prison with an additional five years of supervised release. She too was fined $1,000 and must pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The pair were indicted by a federal grand jury in June 2024. Rasmusson entered a guilty plea on November 4, 2024, while Apple pleaded guilty on November 18, 2024.
Their convictions are linked to drug distribution activities that took place from January to April 2024. During this period, Rasmusson and Apple transported methamphetamine from North Dakota for distribution around Mobridge, South Dakota. They were apprehended on April 5, 2024, in Mobridge with possession of 104 grams of pure methamphetamine.
The investigation involved the FBI Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force along with the Mobridge Police Department and the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meghan Dilges led the prosecution.
Following their sentencing on June 2, both Rasmusson and Apple were remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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