Watertown Police Arrest Local Man Following Narcotics Investigation

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - A 55-year-old Watertown man is in custody following a targeted narcotics investigation by the Watertown Police Department.

On March 4, 2026, authorities arrested Dirk Leadabrand after detectives received information alleging he was distributing methamphetamine within the city.

The arrest coincided with the execution of a search warrant at Leadabrand’s residence, located in northwest Watertown. During the operation, Leadabrand was taken into custody without incident.

While searching the property, officers discovered:

·        Methamphetamine.

·        Drug paraphernalia.

Leadabrand was transported to the Codington County Detention Center, where he was booked on several drug-related charges, including:

·        Distribution of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone (Two Counts)

·        Maintaining a Place Where Drugs Are Kept or Sold 

·        Possession of Methamphetamine 

·        Ingestion of Methamphetamine 

·        Possession of Drug Paraphernalia 

Court officials have set Leadabrand’s bond at $10,000 cash. As with all criminal cases, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.