RAPID CITY, S.D. — A Rapid City woman has been sentenced to federal prison for her role in a money laundering conspiracy connected to a cocaine trafficking operation that transported drugs from Texas to western South Dakota.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, 30-year-old A’Aliyah LeClaire was sentenced June 26 by U.S. District Judge Karen E. Schreier to one year and one day in federal prison, followed by two years of supervised release. She also was ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

LeClaire was indicted by a federal grand jury in March 2025 on a charge of conspiracy to commit money laundering. She pleaded guilty on April 17, 2026.

Federal prosecutors said LeClaire helped move money generated through a cocaine distribution conspiracy that operated between Texas and Rapid City. Investigators said a supplier in Texas mailed cocaine to an individual in Rapid City, and LeClaire assisted by making deposits and allowing her financial accounts to be used to transfer proceeds in an effort to conceal the source and ownership of the money.

U.S. Attorney Ron Parsons said those who assist drug trafficking organizations, whether by transporting drugs or laundering drug proceeds, will be held accountable. IRS Criminal Investigation St. Louis Special Agent in Charge William Steenson added that investigators remain committed to pursuing everyone involved in drug trafficking operations, regardless of their role, by following the financial trail. He said the case reflects the strong cooperation among federal, state and local law enforcement agencies and represents a victory for South Dakota communities.

The investigation was conducted by the Unified Narcotics Enforcement Team, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. UNET includes investigators from the Pennington County Sheriff’s Office, the Rapid City Police Department, the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, the South Dakota Highway Patrol and the South Dakota National Guard. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.

LeClaire has been ordered to self-surrender to begin serving her sentence.