A California man has been sentenced to 33 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking and money laundering conspiracy. U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier handed down the sentence to Darrel Devorce, 56, of San Jacinto, California, on November 3, 2025.
Devorce was convicted of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Conspiracy to Commit Money Laundering. He will also serve 10 years of supervised release after his prison term and was ordered to pay a $200 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.
The case stems from an indictment issued by a federal grand jury in May 2024. Devorce pleaded guilty on July 28, 2025.
“Devorce is a longtime meth dealer responsible for shipping that poison into South Dakota since at least 2018,” said U.S. Attorney Parsons. “He will now be separated from the rest of society for most of the rest of his life.”
“IRS Criminal Investigation is proud to be part of a task force that is dedicated to dismantling criminal organizations that pose a threat to the safety of our local communities,” said Special Agent in Charge William Steenson. “Devorce’s 400-month prison sentence is a reflection of that dedication and our determination to use our financial expertise to help get dangerous people off our streets.”
According to investigators from Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force, Devorce led a large-scale methamphetamine operation over about five years. Starting around 2018 and continuing into 2023, he supplied methamphetamine from California to co-conspirators in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Authorities say Devorce organized financial transactions involving proceeds from drug sales using services such as CashApp, Western Union, and Zelle. These transfers were structured to hide both the origin of the funds and Devorce’s involvement.
In addition to Devorce, more than ten other individuals from California and South Dakota have been charged and convicted in connection with this conspiracy. Investigators identified Devorce as the leader who sourced drugs and directed financial activities related to the operation.
The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and the Sioux Falls Area Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.
After sentencing, Devorce was remanded into custody by the U.S. Marshals Service.
