Attorney General Jackley announces indictments in drug overdose deaths of two South Dakota inmates

Jason Garreau, one of the inmates that died as a result of an overdose.

SIOUX FALLS – Attorney General Marty Jackley announced indictments related to the drug overdose deaths of two South Dakota Penitentiary inmates this year. Two individuals are accused of distributing illegal drugs that led to these tragic losses.

Manarion Timothy Douglas Fuse, 21, an inmate at the penitentiary, faces charges for providing synthetic cannabinoids—often called “K2”— that resulted in the death of inmate Anthony Richards on February 6, 2025. Fuse is charged with distribution of a controlled substance resulting in death, a Class 2 felony, and distribution of synthetic cannabinoids, a Class 4 felony. He could face up to 70 years in prison.

Melibu Lynn Ross, 49, of Sioux Falls, is charged with distributing methamphetamine and cocaine that caused inmate Jason Garreau’s death on May 15, 2025. Ross is charged with a Class 2 felony for distribution resulting in death and faces a maximum of 25 years in prison.

Both cases were indicted last week by a Minnehaha County Grand Jury. The investigation was conducted by the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation and the Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General, with the Attorney General’s Office prosecuting.

The indictments follow ongoing investigations into two other inmate deaths—Joshua Arrow Jr. on May 18 and Nicholas Skorka on June 10. Jackley emphasized that final autopsy and toxicology reports, which are crucial for prosecuting overdose cases, are still pending; tests for K2 were conducted in Pennsylvania.

The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty under the U.S. Constitution. Jackley stated that charges are being pursued to hold individuals accountable for illegal drug distribution that led to preventable tragedies.

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