Watertown Police Arrest Six in Major Methamphetamine Distribution Crackdown

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - The Watertown Police Department has announced the arrest of six individuals following a multi-day investigation into the distribution and use of methamphetamine within the city. The enforcement actions, which took place on March 15 and 16, 2026, involved a series of search warrants, traffic stops, and probation searches.

The investigation gained momentum on Sunday, March 15, when officers responded to a disturbance in northwest Watertown. This led to the arrest of Rocky Denholm, 65, of Watertown.

Denholm faces a litany of serious charges, including:

·         Possession of 18 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

·         Two counts of distribution of methamphetamine.

·         Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine.

·         Resisting arrest and obstruction.

Denholm is currently being held on a $10,000 cash bond.

Monday Enforcement Actions and Additional Arrests

On Monday, March 16, the department executed multiple search warrants and conducted related enforcement actions, resulting in five additional arrests of Watertown residents:

·         Allen Chase, 64: Charged with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, maintaining a place where drugs are kept, possession of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $1,000 cash.

·         Donald Bury Jr., 62: Charged with possession and ingestion of methamphetamine, and possession of drug paraphernalia following a search warrant and traffic stop. Bond is set at $1,000 cash.

·         Heidi White Tail, 40: Arrested following a search warrant and charged with possession and ingestion of methamphetamine and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $1,000 cash.

·         Dana Shadden, 49: Arrested during a probation search and charged with ingestion and possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a place where drugs are kept, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Bond is set at $1,000 cash.

·         Robin Medenwald, 42: Charged with ingesting methamphetamine following a search warrant. Medenwald was released on a personal recognizance bond.

A Commitment to Community Safety

Captain Steve Rehorst noted that these arrests are the result of proactive coordination between patrol officers, detectives, and partner agencies.

“The Watertown Police Department remains committed to addressing the distribution of illegal drugs and protecting the safety of our community,” the department stated in a release.

All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Residents with information regarding illegal drug activity are encouraged to contact the Watertown Police Department at (605) 882-6210.