Two Women Sentenced in Federal Drug Conspiracy Case

Northeast Radio SD News – South Dakota - Two women, one from Slayton, Minnesota, and another from Aberdeen, South Dakota, have been sentenced in federal court after being convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance. U.S. Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced the sentencing, which Chief Judge Roberto A. Lange of the U.S. District Court oversaw.

Alexis Mertens, 28, of Slayton, Minnesota, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Her sentencing took place on September 22, 2025.

Brandy Christman, 39, of Aberdeen, South Dakota, received a sentence of six months in federal prison, also followed by three years of supervised release. Christman was sentenced on September 29, 2025.

Both women were ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Mertens and Christman were involved in the sale of methamphetamine within South Dakota between 2023 and December 2024. Christman was arrested after law enforcement discovered her in possession of 172 grams of the drug.

A federal grand jury indicted the two for Conspiracy to distribute a Controlled Substance in November 2024. Christman pleaded guilty on June 11, 2025, and Mertens pleaded guilty on June 24, 2025.

The investigation into the case was conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Joyce prosecuted the case. Following their respective sentencings, both Mertens and Christman were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.