Sioux Falls Man Charged with Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine Sentenced to Over 16 Years in Federal Prison

SIOUX FALLS - United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier has sentenced a Sioux Falls, South Dakota, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. The sentencing took place on April 22, 2024.

Edward Ward, 52, was sentenced to 16 years and eight months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Ward was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury in March of 2023. He pleaded guilty on January 23, 2024.

Ward obtained methamphetamine through the mail from a co-conspirator in California and re-distributed it in South Dakota. On May 3, 2022, Ward sold approximately four ounces of methamphetamine to a confidential informant who was working with law enforcement. Also on May 17, 2022, he sold another 5.5 ounces of methamphetamine to the informant during a controlled purchase orchestrated by law enforcement. Then again on May 26, 2022, Ward sold another eleven ounces of methamphetamine to the same informant. He was personally involved in the handling and distribution of approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine during his involvement in the conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Sioux Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

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