Prison Employee and Inmate Indicted in Overdose Death of Travis Long Fox

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - A South Dakota State Penitentiary medical aide and a current inmate have been indicted on multiple felony charges following the investigation into the November drug overdose death of 33-year-old inmate Travis Long Fox.

Attorney General Marty Jackley announced Tuesday that a Minnehaha County Grand Jury returned indictments against Natalie Bernice Krause, 25, of Tea, and Cole Roberts Waters, 26. Krause was employed as a medical aide at the facility, while Waters is an inmate currently serving a 65-year sentence for first-degree manslaughter.

The charges stem from the death of Long Fox on Nov. 7, 2025. Investigators allege the pair was involved in the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids that led to the fatal overdose.

“The introduction of illegal drugs into our correctional facilities endangers inmates and staff and has led to an inmate’s death,” Jackley said. “We will continue to hold those undermining the safety and security of our prisons accountable.”

Both Krause and Waters face one count each of:

·        Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Synthetic Cannabinoids) Resulting in Death

·        Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

·        Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

·        Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Synthetic Cannabinoids)

In addition to these joint charges, Krause faces a charge of Possession of an Unauthorized Article with Intent to deliver to an Inmate. Waters, due to his status as an inmate and prior convictions, could face a doubling of his sentence if found guilty of the new charges.

Ongoing Prison Investigations

This indictment marks the third case this year where charges have been filed in connection with inmate overdose deaths. Of the eight suspected drug-related deaths investigated by the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) in 2025, five remain under active investigation.

Other pending cases include:

·        Manarion Fuse: Scheduled for trial in January 2026, Fuse is charged with the distribution of synthetic cannabinoids resulting in the death of Anthony Richards on Feb. 6, 2025. He faces up to 70 years in prison.

·        Melibu Lynn Ross: Also scheduled for a January trial, Ross is accused of bringing methamphetamine into the prison during a visit, leading to the May 15, 2025, death of Jason Garreau. She faces up to 25 years.

Court hearings for Krause and Waters have not yet been scheduled. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.