Pennington County, SD – The Unified Narcotic Enforcement Team (UNET) announces the arrest of two individuals on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, following an ongoing investigation into illegal drug trafficking in Western South Dakota. The arrests resulted in the seizure of significant quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Ezra Bald Eagle, 26, and Mariah Cross, 25, both of Rapid City, were taken into custody and face multiple felony and misdemeanor charges. Each has been charged with:
- Distribution/Manufacturing of Controlled Substance Schedule II (Fentanyl)
- Distribution/Manufacturing of Controlled Substance Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
- Possession of Controlled Drug/Substance Schedule II (Fentanyl)
- Possession of Controlled Drug/Substance Schedule II (Methamphetamine)
- One misdemeanor count of Possession of Marijuana (2 ounces or less)
- One misdemeanor count of Possession or Use of Drug Paraphernalia
Additionally, Mariah Cross was charged with one misdemeanor count each of Driving Under Suspension and Possession of a Revoked, Altered, or Fictitious Driver’s License.
The arrests stem from an investigation led by UNET, which determined that fentanyl and methamphetamine were being transported into Rapid City from Colorado. Ezra Bald Eagle was identified as a potential supplier of these substances in the region.
A traffic stop conducted by a South Dakota Highway Patrol trooper in Pennington County which led to the apprehension of both suspects. During the stop, law enforcement seized approximately:
- 3.3 ounces of fentanyl powder
- 3,500 counterfeit oxycodone pills containing – fentanyl
- ¾ pound of methamphetamine
- 1 ounce of marijuana
The UNET has seen a recent increase in the presence of fentanyl powder in Western South Dakota. The estimated 3.3 ounces of fentanyl powder represent one of the largest fentanyl powder seizures in Western South Dakota by UNET to date. Fentanyl powder poses significant safety concerns due to its potential airborne transmission and unknown concentration levels.
Both individuals are currently being held at the Pennington County Jail. They are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
UNET is a task force led by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and includes personnel from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, Rapid City Police Department, South Dakota Highway Patrol, and the Division of Criminal Investigation.
