A Denver man has been convicted in federal court in Rapid City on major drug‑trafficking and firearm charges.
Jurors found 43‑year‑old Juan Sertuche guilty of conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as possessing a firearm to further drug trafficking. Prosecutors say he ran a large drug network for more than two decades, supplying meth and fentanyl to dealers in the Rapid City and Pine Ridge areas.
Investigators linked him to a stop that uncovered 19 pounds of meth, and he was later arrested with about 1,500 fentanyl pills. Even after his arrest, authorities say he continued directing drug deals and tried to have associates collect firearms — including two fully automatic machine guns — to trade for drugs.
Each drug charge carries a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison, and the firearm charge adds at least five more. Multiple state and federal agencies assisted in the investigation.
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