SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO.com) -- A Sioux Falls man was found guilty of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine.
A federal jury returned the verdict against 32-year-old Orlando Dones-Vargas, a/k/a "Landy", on January 30, 2018.
Dones-Vargas was arrested on August 20, 2017, for driving with a suspended license. He was being booked into the Minnehaha County Jail, when autorities discovered that he was concealing more than 13 grams of methamphetamine (96% pure) in his groin area. Further investigation revealed his extensive involvement in the distribution of meth in the Sioux Falls area.
Dones-Vargas could face a minimum of 15 years in custody between the two charges. The conspiracy charge, involving over 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in custody and/or a $10 million fine. The possesion with intent charge, involving more than five grams of pure methamphetamine, carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in custordy and/or a $5 million fine.
A sentensing date was set for April 23, 2018.