A former Oglala Sioux Tribe treasurer and a Rapid City woman are facing federal drug trafficking charges tied to fentanyl distribution.
Federal prosecutors say forty-nine-year-old Misty Standing Bear is accused of running a years-long operation that brought thousands of counterfeit fentanyl pills into the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas. She has pleaded not guilty.
Authorities allege the conspiracy began as early as 2021 and continued into this year, with Standing Bear reportedly traveling out of state — including a trip to Colorado in May — to obtain pills for distribution.
Investigators also claim some purchases were made using fraudulent tribal assistance checks while her co-defendant served as tribal treasurer.
Officials say the case highlights the ongoing threat fentanyl poses to communities across the region.
Standing Bear has been released on bond and is awaiting trial. If convicted, she faces a minimum of ten years in federal prison and could receive a life sentence.
The case remains under investigation by federal, state, and tribal authorities.
