Rikki Renee Barrowman, also known as Juree T. Rials, was sentenced to nearly 23 years in federal prison for her involvement in a large-scale methamphetamine distribution conspiracy in South Dakota. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota announced on March 7 that Barrowman, 34, was sentenced to 22 years and 11 months in prison by U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte.
In addition to her lengthy sentence, Barrowman was also ordered to serve five years of supervised release, pay a $1,000 fine, and contribute a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
Barrowman was indicted in February 2024 and pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance in December 2024. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, her role in the operation spanned from January 2021 to July 2022, during which time she distributed methamphetamine across western and central South Dakota.
The conspiracy involved approximately 65 kilograms of methamphetamine and affected several regions, including the Pine Ridge, Cheyenne River, and Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservations, as well as Rapid City and Pierre. Barrowman was identified as the primary supplier of methamphetamine from Denver, which was then transported and distributed throughout South Dakota.
As part of the conspiracy, firearms were exchanged for narcotics, further fueling the criminal operation. The case was investigated by several law enforcement agencies, including the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services, the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and the FBI.
Barrowman was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.
