Yankton Man Sentenced to 20 Years on Felony Drug Charges

Gavel resting on a desk with law books and scales, highlighting the theme of justice and legal proceedings.

Northeast Radio SD News - Yankton, SD - Yankton County Circuit Court has handed down a 20-year prison sentence to Calahan Stark, 31, following his guilty pleas to multiple felony drug charges. The sentencing, which took place on October 23, resulted from a joint investigation involving the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), the Yankton County Sheriff’s Office, and the Yankton Police Department.

Stark pleaded guilty to one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Cocaine, one felony count of Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl, and one felony count of Possession of Unauthorized Articles in a Jail.

Stark received a 5-year sentence for the Cocaine charge, 5 years for the Fentanyl charge, and 10 years for the jail article charge. The court ruled that these sentences must run consecutively, resulting in a total of 20 years.

The investigation revealed the alarming scale of the drug operation. Stark was found in possession of a substantial amount of narcotics, including:

·  More than 300 Fentanyl pills and over 107 grams of Cocaine during the initial investigation.

·  More than seven grams of Ketamine were brought into the Yankton County Jail while Stark was an inmate.

A subsequent search of Stark's residence uncovered an even greater variety of controlled substances, including:

·         365 additional Fentanyl pills

·         107.81 grams of cocaine

·         7.74 grams of methamphetamine

·         70 Isotonitazene pills

·         Smaller quantities of Psilocin (plant material), Zolpidem, Hydrocodone, Tramadol, Amphetamine, and Oxycodone pills.

South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley underscored the state's resolve in prosecuting drug-related crimes.

“Drug traffickers who sell drugs in our communities will face serious consequences,” said Jackley. “My office will continue to work with our local partners to make sure those who threaten our communities with dangerous and addictive drugs are brought to justice.”

Yankton County State’s Attorney Tyler Larsen emphasized the severity of the offense, stating, “The amount and variety of dangerous drugs seized in this case is alarming. This sentence reflects the seriousness of those crimes and our commitment to keeping Yankton County safe.”

The case was prosecuted by the Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office.