Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
Alison J. Ramsdell U.S. Attorney | U.S. Attorney for the District of South Dakota
United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced that Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange sentenced a man from Lancaster, California, for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The sentencing occurred on July 21, 2025.
Clarence Williams, also known as "CJ," aged 34, received a sentence of 21 years and 10 months in federal prison. This will be followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
In September 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Williams for Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. On March 5, 2025, he pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine.
Williams traveled from Lancaster, California, to Sioux Falls with the intent to sell methamphetamine and fentanyl. He sourced the drugs from California and collaborated with individuals from both California and South Dakota. They distributed the substances in the Sioux Falls area using vehicles and postal services. Law enforcement seized about two kilograms of fentanyl pills and powder through intercepted parcels and search warrants at a residence in Sioux Falls. The group trafficked multiple pounds of methamphetamine as well. During the investigation, law enforcement seized three firearms from Williams. In total, they trafficked around three kilograms of fentanyl in pill and powder form and over 20 pounds of methamphetamine.
“This case is yet another example of the tremendous collaboration taking place between federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking organizations in South Dakota,” said U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell.
“Those attempting to harm members of our South Dakota communities by pushing poisons like fentanyl and methamphetamine should take note of this sentencing,” said DEA Omaha Division Acting Special Agent in Charge Rafael Mattei.
The DEA conducted this investigation alongside the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
Williams was immediately remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
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