A Pine Ridge man has been sentenced to over 19 years in federal prison for his role in a drug conspiracy and firearm offense. The U.S. Attorney’s Office announced that James Shangreaux, 43, received a sentence of 19 years and seven months, followed by five years of supervised release. He was also ordered to pay $200 in special assessments and must forfeit a pistol.
U.S. District Judge Camela C. Theeler issued the sentence on January 27, 2026. Shangreaux had been indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025 and pleaded guilty on September 18, 2025.
According to court records, Shangreaux conspired with others to distribute at least 350 grams of methamphetamine in Rapid City and within the Pine Ridge Reservation. He organized the operation, traveled to Colorado for supplies, and wired money to sources. His activities came under scrutiny after law enforcement terminated a pursuit near the reservation’s boundary line. Upon arrest, he was found with methamphetamine and a concealed 9mm pistol.
“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN). Through PSN, the District of South Dakota seeks to bring together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone,” according to U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons.
The FBI and Oglala Sioux Tribe Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Poppen prosecuted the case.
Shangreaux was immediately taken into custody by U.S. Marshals following sentencing.
