Wood Man Sentenced on Meth Trafficking and Felony Gun Charges
United States Attorney Ron Parsons announced that a Wood, South Dakota, man convicted of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm was sentenced on September 23, 2019, by U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange.
David Blue Bird, age 25, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison, followed by 4 years of supervised release, and a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund in the amount of $200.
Blue Bird was indicted by superseding indictment on March 12, 2019. He pled guilty on July 10, 2019.
The conviction stemmed from an incident that occurred on or about the 8th day of September 2018, through the 26th day of January 2019, Blue Bird did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more methamphetamine and, being an unlawful user of methamphetamine, did knowingly receive and possess three firearms.
Drug trafficking is an inherently violent activity. Firearms are tools of the trade for drug dealers. It is common to find drug traffickers armed with guns in order to protect their illegal drug product and cash, and enforce their illegal operations.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and local communities to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.
This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Meghan N. Dilges prosecuted the case.
Blue Bird was immediately turned over to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
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