Sioux Empire Today

A jury has found David Fowler, a 49-year-old resident of Aberdeen, South Dakota, guilty of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. The verdict was delivered on June 4, 2025, following a two-day trial in federal district court.

United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the conviction and highlighted the severity of the charges. "The charges carry a maximum penalty of life in federal prison and/or a $1,000,000 fine, up to life on supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund," Ramsdell stated.

Fowler was initially indicted by a federal grand jury in November 2024. In early 2024, investigators from the Brown County Sheriff’s Office conducted controlled purchases of methamphetamine from Fowler in quantities ranging from 10 to 21 grams. Subsequently, authorities executed a search warrant at Fowler's residence and discovered 56 grams of methamphetamine. Fowler's supplier was apprehended while transporting an additional 344 grams to his home.

The investigation revealed that methamphetamine was being shipped from California to Aberdeen before being distributed locally by individuals such as Fowler. Overall, Fowler received five packages totaling approximately 2.5 pounds of methamphetamine.

This case involved efforts from multiple agencies including the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Brown County Sheriff’s Office, the Aberdeen Police Department, and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce led the prosecution.

A presentence investigation is underway with sentencing scheduled for September 8, 2025. Following his conviction, Fowler was placed in the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.