Nebraska Mom Arrested for Using Daughter to Deliver Prescription Drugs
York County authorities arrested 36-year-old Shantell Perkins after a teenage girl revealed her mother had forced her to sell drugs for years.
The investigation began when the teen disclosed to her therapist that Perkins made her deliver pills—including hydrocodone, oxycontin, morphine, and Xanax—across Nebraska and South Dakota. The teen, who lived with Perkins and two other children in Benedict, Neb., told deputies about frequent physical abuse and neglect at home.
Deputies found that Perkins often appeared unconscious due to pill use but would claim she had seizures. Police had been called to the home multiple times since 2022 due to concerns.
Court records show the daughter made at least 50 drug deliveries between South Dakota towns and Nebraska communities including Benedict, York, and Seward, sometimes under threats and sometimes with promises of gifts.
Perkins now faces felony charges including possession of a controlled substance, using a minor to distribute drugs, and child abuse. All children have been removed from her custody. Her bond is set at $5,000, with a court hearing scheduled for Wednesday.
