(KXLG – Watertown, SD) On Friday morning, August 16, three individuals were arrested in South Dakota following an extensive investigation into fentanyl and methamphetamine distribution. The operation, conducted by multiple state and local law enforcement agencies, resulted in the apprehension of Brendan Ray Williams, Charles Richard Zebroski, and Lillian Lynn McLaughlin.
The investigation began when a Meade County Sheriff’s Deputy identified Brendan Ray Williams as a potential supplier of fentanyl and methamphetamine in Western South Dakota. It was determined that fentanyl was being transported from Colorado into South Dakota. The Rapid City Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) took over the case.
A South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper intercepted the suspects while traveling in Pennington County. Williams, who was driving, and the other two defendants were promptly arrested. Law enforcement seized approximately 200 grams of fentanyl (equivalent to about 2,000 pills) and seven grams of methamphetamine
Charges and Arrest Details:
- Brendan Ray Williams (30), Rapid City:
- Charged with one felony count each of:
- Distribute/Manufacture of Controlled Drug/Schedule II (Fentanyl)
- Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Fentanyl)
- Possession of a Schedule II Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine)
- Unauthorized Distribution of Methamphetamine
- Also charged with a misdemeanor count of possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Williams had three outstanding warrants.
- Charged with one felony count each of:
- Charles Richard Zebroski (26), Rapid City:
- Same charges as Williams.
- Lillian Lynn McLaughlin (27), Black Hawk:
- Same charges as Williams and Zebroski.
The three defendants are currently held in the Pennington County Jail. As per the U.S. Constitution, they are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Several law enforcement agencies collaborated in this operation:
- Meade County Sheriff’s Office
- UNET North Team (State Division of Criminal Investigation and Sturgis Police Department)
- UNET Rapid City Team (State Division of Criminal Investigation, South Dakota Highway Patrol, South Dakota National Guard Counter Drug Program, Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, and Rapid City Police Department)
- Pennington County Dispatch Center
