Sioux Falls women sentenced for roles in dealing meth, fentanyl

November 3, 2023

Mike Tanner

SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — Two Sioux Falls women who pled guilty to charges of Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance were sentenced this week.

South Dakota U.S. Attorne Alison Ramsdell says 35 year-old Kessara Mikkelson was sentenced to 19 years and seven months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

Thirty one year-old Asia Gunhammer was sentenced to 10 years and six months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and was also ordered to pay a special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

A federal grand jury indicted Mikkelson and Gunhammer in June 2023. Both women pleaded guilty in July 0f this year.

Both were involved in a large-scale methamphetamine and fentanyl distribution network that originated in California.

Mikkelson was responsible for organizing and handling over 100 pounds of methamphetamine and 25,000 fentanyl pills during her involvement.

Gunhammer was one of the known sub-distributors for Mikkelson.

The methamphetamine in this conspiracy was known to be sourced by the Mexican cartels.

Mikkelson and Gunhammer were immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service.

The case was investigated by the FBI, Sioux Falls Police Department, and Minnehaha County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant US Attorney Mark Hodges prosecuted the case.