Multiple Arrests Made Following Months-Long Narcotics Investigation in Watertown
- Steve Jurrens
- 12 hours ago
- 2 min read
Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A multi-month narcotics investigation by the Watertown Police Department has culminated in the arrest of four local men, with charges including the distribution of drugs to high school-aged juveniles.
The investigation, which focused on the sale of illegal substances within the community, led to two separate rounds of arrests at residences in the city. All four suspects were taken into custody without incident and are currently held at the Codington County Detention Center.
November Arrests and Charges
The first phase of the enforcement action took place on November 21, 2025, when officers executed a search warrant at a residence in southwest Watertown. Two individuals were arrested during this operation:
·       Terance Block, 25: Charged with selling tobacco to a person under 21, furnishing alcohol to persons aged 18–20, possession of marijuana (2 ounces to less than ½ pound), and two counts of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, including distribution to a minor. Block’s bond was set at $10,000 cash.
·       James Chase, 34: Faces multiple felony charges, including distribution of a controlled drug, possession with intent to distribute one pound or more of marijuana, and maintaining a place where drugs are sold. Chase was also charged with a parole violation. His bond was set at $20,000 cash.
December Enforcement Action
Following further investigation, police served two additional search warrants on December 12, 2025. These warrants resulted in the arrests of two more Watertown residents:
·       Jacob Martinez, 20: Charged with distribution of a controlled drug, possession with intent to distribute marijuana to a minor, and maintaining a place where drugs are sold, alongside tobacco and alcohol violations.
·       Steven Jackson, 34: Charged with distribution of marijuana to a minor, industrial hemp sale or distribution, and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Bond for both Martinez and Jackson was set at $10,000 cash.
Commitment to Community Safety
The Watertown Police Department emphasized that protecting the community's youth remains a top priority. In a statement following the arrests, the department reaffirmed its commitment to investigating and addressing illegal drug activity, particularly when it involves the targeting of juveniles.
Under South Dakota law, all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
