WATERTOWN, S.D.(KXLG)- A significant drug bust case concluded Thursday when 22-year-old Devin Muilenburg of Watertown was sentenced to 15 years and 60 days in prison following his arrest on February 29, 2024. Muilenburg faced a multitude of charges, including possession of controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute, and maintaining a place where drugs are kept, sold, or used.
On February 27, 2024, around 1:00 p.m., Watertown Police Department Detectives arrived at the 1600 Block of 4th Street Northeast in Watertown, SD. They were attempting to contact an individual at an apartment when they discovered a large quantity of controlled substances. Muilenburg was subsequently arrested and charged with:
- 17 counts of possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of drug paraphernalia
- 17 counts of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance
- Maintaining a place where drugs are kept, sold, or used
- Possession or distribution of illegal drugs within a drug-free zone
- Possession of marijuana (2 ounces to ½ pound)
During the arrest, detectives seized over 900 prescription pills, 19 ounces of psilocybin mushrooms, several hundred THC products, and over $5000 in cash tied to illicit drug sales.
Muilenburg appeared in court on July 24, 2024, where he pleaded guilty to several charges. The court proceedings from Wednesday, September 4, 2024, resulted in Judge Means handing down the following sentences:
- Count 11: Possession of Controlled Substance (Marijuana Wax)
- Sentence: 5 years in the penitentiary (suspended)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Additional Costs: $70.00 for blood tests
- Count 15: Possession of Controlled Substance (Schedule III or IV)
- Sentence: 2 years in the penitentiary (suspended)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Count 20: Manufacture/Distribution/Possession of Drugs (Schedule I or II)
- Sentence: 10 years in the penitentiary (5 years suspended)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Count 28: Manufacture/Distribution/Possession of Schedule III Drug (LSD)
- Sentence: 10 years in the penitentiary (5 years suspended)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Count 30: Manufacture/Distribution/Possession of Schedule IV Drug (Lorazepam)
- Sentence: 30 days in prison (credit for time served: 30 days)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Count 31: Manufacture/Distribution/Possession of Schedule IV Drug
- Sentence: 30 days in prison (credit for time served: 12 days)
- Court Costs: $116.50
- Count 33: Keeping a Place for the Use or Sale of Controlled Substance
- Sentence: 5 years in the penitentiary (suspended)
- Court Costs: $116.50
Muilenburg’s sentences will run consecutively for counts 11, 15, 20, 28, 30, 31, and 33. He was taken into custody and to the Codington County Detention Center; the sentences for counts 20, 28, 30, 31, and 33 will run consecutively, resulting in an overall sentence of 15 years and 60 days in prison.