Pine Ridge Man Sentenced to 19 Years for Meth Trafficking

James Shangreaux pleaded guilty to drug and firearm charges after a police pursuit.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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A 45-year-old man from Pine Ridge, South Dakota has been sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm during a drug crime. James Shangreaux pleaded guilty in September after investigators found him with drugs and a pistol following a police chase.

Why it matters

Meth addiction and trafficking continue to be major problems on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, contributing to high rates of crime, violence, and health issues. This sentencing is part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement to disrupt drug supply chains and hold dealers accountable.

The details

According to investigators, Shangreaux would travel to places like Colorado to wire money to drug suppliers as part of a larger meth trafficking operation. The investigation began after Shangreaux was taken into custody following a police pursuit, during which he was found with methamphetamine and a pistol.

  • On September 1, 2025, Shangreaux pleaded guilty to the charges.
  • On February 12, 2026, Shangreaux was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison.

The players

James Shangreaux

A 45-year-old man from Pine Ridge, South Dakota who was sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for his role in a methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy and possessing a firearm during a drug crime.

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The takeaway

This sentencing highlights the ongoing struggle to combat the meth epidemic on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, where drug trafficking and addiction have fueled high rates of crime and public health issues. Law enforcement continues to target major dealers in an effort to disrupt supply chains and hold offenders accountable.