{KXLG – Clay/Yankton County, SD} South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley, along with authorities in Clay and Yankton counties, has announced the indictment of an 18-year-old Yankton man, Evan Nelson, in connection with the fentanyl overdose death of a 15-year-old female from rural Clay County.
Nelson was indicted on Monday by a Yankton County Grand Jury on three felony counts:
- Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Minor Resulting in Death (Class C Felony): This charge carries a maximum sentence of life in prison and a $50,000 fine.
- Distribution of a Controlled Substance to a Minor (Class Two Felony): This charge carries a maximum sentence of 25 years and a $50,000 fine.
- Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance (Class 5 Felony): This charge carries a maximum sentence of five years and a $10,000 fine.
Following the indictment, Nelson was arrested on Tuesday and is currently held on a $500,000 cash-only bond.
The 15-year-old female victim was found deceased in her bedroom on December 23, 2023. “This arrest comes after months of extensive investigations by state and local law enforcement and prosecutors,” said Attorney General Jackley. “This tragic case and the loss of a 15-year-old victim demonstrate the seriousness and dangers of fentanyl.”
The state Division of Criminal Investigation, the Clay County Sheriff’s Office, the Vermillion Police Department, and the Yankton Police Department conducted the investigation. The Yankton County State’s Attorney’s Office and the Clay County State’s Office will handle the case’s prosecution.
As per the U.S. Constitution, the suspect is presumed innocent until proven guilty, as stated in the media release.