Sully County father and son sentenced for defrauding federal crop insurance programs

January 31, 2023

PIERRE, S.D.–A Sully County father and son have been sentenced in federal court on charges related to defrauding federal crop insurance programs.

During a three-hour long sentencing hearing at the Federal Courthouse in Pierre Monday, 44 year-old Levi Garrett was sentenced by Chief Judge Roberto Lange to 24 months in federal prison. He was ordered to repay over $279,000 in restitution.

His father 68 year-old James Garrett received an 18-month sentence and must repay over $1.4 million.

Over 60 letters of support for the Garretts were submitted as a part of the pre-sentence investigation, including from former state Senator Troy Heinert.

Lange ordered James Garrett to the Federal Medical Center in Rochester, Minnesota, while Levi was ordered to be held with non-violent offenders.

Both Garrett’s are under provisions to self-report to begin serving their sentences.