Arizona Man Convicted in South Dakota Meth and Fentanyl Trafficking Case of Over 200 Pounds

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A federal jury has convicted a Glendale, Arizona man for his role in a major drug trafficking organization that moved cartel‑sourced methamphetamine and fentanyl into Sioux Falls and surrounding communities.

John Stanford Roth, 58, was found guilty on July 8, 2026, of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl following a three‑day trial in U.S. District Court in Sioux Falls, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of South Dakota.

Each conviction carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in federal prison and up to life imprisonment, along with a potential $10 million fine and at least five years to life of supervised release.

Roth was indicted in October 2025.

Evidence Presented at Trial

Federal prosecutors said Roth worked within a drug trafficking organization led by Matthew Shade of Tea, supplying methamphetamine and fentanyl that were transported from Arizona to South Dakota—other members of the conspiracy handled distribution.

Investigators testified that more than 200 pounds of methamphetamine were delivered to Sioux Falls over roughly eight months in 2024 and early 2025.

Shade pleaded guilty earlier this year and was sentenced in May to more than 21 years in federal prison. Thirteen defendants have been indicted in connection with the organization; Roth is the tenth to be convicted. Three additional defendants are awaiting trial.

Prosecutor’s Statement

“The dominoes are crashing down for the members of this crooked drug trafficking organization,” U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said in the release. “This unanimous guilty verdict rendered by the jury, after carefully reviewing all the evidence, has tipped the scales toward justice even more.”

Investigation and Sentencing

The case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, the Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Connie Larson and Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

Roth was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service following the verdict. Sentencing is scheduled for September 28, 2026.

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