Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

United States Attorney Dennis R. Holmes announced that a Spring Valley, California, man convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance was sentenced on March 7, 2022, by Judge Jeffrey L. Viken, U.S. District Court.

Larre Hayes, age 37, was sentenced to 12 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.  He also forfeited four firearms.

Hayes was indicted for Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance by a federal grand jury on February 19, 2021.  He pleaded guilty on November 1, 2021.  Hayes was involved in a conspiracy responsible for distributing between 1.5 and 5 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Rapid City area. Hayes brought methamphetamine from California to South Dakota with co-conspirator, Shelby Tripp Lien, who is currently awaiting trial.  Hayes also facilitated the mailing of methamphetamine from California to South Dakota.  During the conspiracy Hayes obtained firearms as payment for methamphetamine and also for personal protection.

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Agency, South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms, and the South Dakota Highway Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich prosecuted the case.

Hayes was immediately returned to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

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