In a significant crackdown against drug trafficking, Jenna Holzer, a 41-year-old resident of Box Elder, South Dakota, has been sentenced to 30 years in federal prison for her involvement in a methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. This sentence, delivered by U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler on October 28, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to combat drug-related activities in the state.
Holzer’s criminal activities were first brought to light in November 2024, when a federal grand jury indicted her on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. By August 7, 2025, Holzer had pleaded guilty, accepting her role in a well-organized scheme to distribute methamphetamine sourced primarily from California to Western South Dakota, a region increasingly affected by the drug’s proliferation.
This case forms a part of the larger Department of Justice initiative named Operation Take Back America, which aims to dismantle transnational criminal organizations, cartels, and other criminal enterprises that jeopardize public safety and national security.
Holzer’s involvement in methamphetamine trafficking began in 2022, drawing law enforcement attention after multiple packages were dispatched from California to addresses linked with her. The operation to dismantle this drug distribution network involved collaboration between the U.S. Postal Service, the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
During an investigation, a traffic stop on October 16, 2024, revealed critical evidence. Officers discovered an ounce of methamphetamine and approximately $3,365 in cash inside Holzer’s vehicle. Further investigations revealed that Holzer was implicated in trafficking approximately 100 pounds of methamphetamine, highlighting the extensive reach of the criminal enterprise.
Ron Parsons, the United States Attorney for South Dakota, emphasized the severity of Holzer’s crimes and the impact on the community, stating, “These sentences send a powerful message that drug trafficking has serious consequences. We are committed to curbing the supply of methamphetamine and bringing those who distribute it to justice.”
Post-sentencing, Holzer will face five years of supervised release and has been ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Her sentence reflects the significance of the impact methamphetamine distribution has on local communities, particularly in the Black Hills region, an area renowned for its natural beauty and home to Mount Rushmore.
The Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, which played a crucial role in this case, consists of law enforcement officers from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the South Dakota National Guard. Their collective efforts were instrumental in bringing Holzer to justice.
This case exemplifies the challenges faced by South Dakota in tackling drug-related crimes. As the state continues to attract nature enthusiasts and families drawn to its serene landscapes, the presence of drug trafficking poses a direct threat to the safety and economic stability of these communities.
South Dakota remains committed to maintaining its reputation as a safe and welcoming state. Initiatives like Operation Take Back America are critical in safeguarding the community, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy all that the state has to offer without the overshadow of drug-related crime.
The successful prosecution of Jenna Holzer was made possible through the diligent work of Assistant U.S. Attorneys Mark Hodges and Paige Petersen. Their efforts underscore the importance of inter-agency cooperation in combatting the illegal drug trade.
For further information or inquiries, please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of South Dakota, via email at usasd.press@usdoj.gov.
This narrative serves as a testament to South Dakota’s resilience and determination to protect its communities from the damaging effects of drug trafficking, reaffirming its commitment to law and order.