BROOKINGS — A Brookings man was sentenced to 15 years in the state penitentiary on Wednesday after pleading guilty to selling cocaine.
Oscar Marenco, 33, pleaded guilty to four counts of distributing a schedule I or II controlled substance and was sentenced by Circuit Court Judge Abigail Howard.
Brookings County State’s Attorney Dan Nelson said the prosecution stemmed from a state investigation and grand jury indictment.
“The DCI launched a multi-month investigation into Oscar Marenco in the fall of last year. According to information gathered during the investigation, Mr. Marenco was distributing cocaine in the city of Brookings.
Acting on that information, special agents observed Mr. Marenco selling cocaine to individuals in various drug-free zones throughout Brookings. A Brookings County grand jury returned an indictment charging him with six counts. “Mr. Morenco entered guilty pleas to four felonies carrying a maximum sentence of 40 years,” Nelson said.
Howard ordered some sentences to run consecutively and others concurrently, resulting in 15 years in prison for Marenco.
“The outcome today of 15 years in prison for this conduct should send a message to every person thinking of dealing drugs in Brookings County that law enforcement will find you and you will be sent to prison,” according to Nelson. “Unfortunately, felony drugs continue to be the driving force behind most crime in South Dakota, but today’s sentencing is a step forward in ensuring Brookings remains safe.”
The possible sentences were increased in this case because the sales took place near drug-free zones, specifically the Pizza Ranch video arcade and Pioneer Park.
