Mitchell Woman Sentenced For Meth Possession

A woman from Mitchell, Tina Hauge, was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to methamphetamine possession. As part of a plea deal, additional charges against Hauge were dropped. She received a five-year suspended prison sentence, will serve 30 days in jail (with 18 days remaining), and will be on probation for two years. Hauge will also pay a $750 fine. The investigation began in October when Mark Leach, an employee of the Freedom Valu Center, was stopped by police and found with meth and drug paraphernalia. Further searches at Leach’s home and the Freedom Valu Center uncovered evidence of meth dealing and illegal prescription drugs, leading to Hauge's sentencing and the previous conviction of another employee, Shelly Klapkin, in December. Leach, with a prior drug conviction, pleaded not guilty and is set for court again in May.

By Riley Harrington March 17, 2025 2:26 pm

South Dakota drug trafficking U.S. Attorney Alison Ramsdell fentanyl and meth indictments cocaine trafficking charges Operation Take Back America Sioux Falls drug conspiracy Rapid City drug trafficking case Pierre federal indictments Aberdeen meth and fentanyl busts federal drug task force South Dakota long prison sentences drug ringleaders dismantling drug networks nationwide — Metro Services

MITCHELL, S.D. (MITCHELLNOW) A woman from Mitchell was sentenced last week after pleading guilty to meth possession. As part of a plea deal, other charges against Tina Hauge were dropped. Hauge got a five-year suspended prison sentence. She’ll be on probation for two years, pay a $750 fine, and serve 30 days in jail, with 18 days left to go. The investigation started in October when Mark Leach, a Freedom Valu Center employee, was stopped by police and found with meth and drug paraphernalia. A search of his home turned up more evidence of meth dealing and illegal prescription drugs. Later searches at the Freedom Valu Center found meth, leading to the sentencing of another employee, Shelly Klapkin, back in December. Leach, who has a prior drug conviction, has pleaded not guilty and will be in court again in May.

For more crime stories from MitchellNow.com, click here.

Government

17 hours ago

Gov. Rhoden Pushes for Stronger Drone Protections

Governor Larry Rhoden is joining 30 governors urging Congress to address rising drone threats. In a letter to lawmakers, they warn drones are increasingly misused for spying, stalking, and potential attacks.

Government

17 hours ago

Hundreds Turn Out for Suicide Awareness Walk in Sioux Falls

More than 1,200 people joined the Out of the Darkness Walk in downtown Sioux Falls to support suicide prevention. Hosted by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the event has raised over $44,000 toward its $90,000 goal, offering hope and awareness for those affected.

Government

16 hours ago

Proposed DSS Rule Raises Alarms Over Child Therapy Funding

LifeScape is warning that a proposed South Dakota Department of Social Services rule could cut its Medicaid funding by $10 million annually. The nonprofit says the 80% reduction threatens therapy services for more than 3,300 children and families who rely on its specialized care.

Lifestyle

15 hours ago

Name Released in Fatal Pedestrian Crash Near Irene

Authorities have identified 67-year-old Timothy Nelson as the victim of a fatal car-versus-pedestrian crash west of Irene. The South Dakota Department of Public Safety says Nelson was struck by an eastbound Tesla while walking in the roadway and later died at the hospital. No charges are pending.

Weather

15 hours ago

NWS Confirms Two Tornadoes in South Dakota: EF-1 Twister Near Mobridge Causes Farm Damage

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in South Dakota on Sunday. The stronger twister southeast of Mobridge damaged a grain silo, tipped a semi trailer, and destroyed a farm outbuilding near Highway 12.