STURGIS, S.D. – The Meade County Sheriff’s Office is reporting a significant drug bust following the execution of a search warrant on a residence in Piedmont Tuesday.

Officials say the search warrant was executed a residence located in the 15000 block of Deerview Road.

The property owner, Kevin Gilmore, 42, had previously been taken into custody in Wisconsin on a warrant related to a child exploitation investigation originating in Minnesota. Based on information developed by investigators in Minnesota, a search warrant was obtained and executed at his Meade County residence.

During the execution of the warrant, ICAC investigators were recovering electronic devices and digital evidence when a substantial quantity of suspected illegal narcotics was discovered. Members of the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET) were subsequently called to the scene to assist with the investigation.

Authorities say UNET investigators recovered the following items:

  • Approximately 157 pounds of marijuana, including evidence of a large-scale marijuana cultivation operation.
  • An estimated 10 to 20 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms (final weight pending laboratory verification).
  • Various THC products, including hashish, vape cartridges, and THC-infused gummies.
  • Numerous computers, electronic storage devices, and other digital equipment.

Sheriff Pat West praised the collaborative efforts of the agencies involved.

“The work conducted by these investigators once again demonstrates that significant criminal threats can exist anywhere, including within our own communities,” said Sheriff West. “Strong partnerships and coordinated efforts between local, state, and federal agencies are critical in protecting our children, families, and residents. We remain committed to identifying offenders, making arrests, and ensuring those responsible are held accountable through the criminal justice system.”

Sheriff West added:

“This case underscores the reality that criminal activity knows no boundaries. What began as an investigation in Minnesota resulted in an arrest in Wisconsin and led to the execution of a search warrant here in Meade County. The seamless cooperation between agencies was instrumental in advancing this investigation.”

The following agencies are actively participating in this investigation:

  • South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
  • Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force
  • Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team (UNET)
  • Pennington County Sheriff’s Office
  • Rapid City Police Department
  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
  • U.S. Department of Homeland Security

This investigation remains ongoing. Additional charges may be pending.

All individuals accused of a crime are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.