MITCHELL, S.D.-An owner of a Mitchell hot dog shop was sentenced to the state penitentiary after what the defense and prosecution described as a "troubling case" involving the sale of illegal drugs.

Jordan Muntefering, 27, of Mitchell, was sentenced Tuesday, April 4, at the Davison County Public Safety Center in Mitchell to 15 years for distributing MDMA - also known as ecstasy or Molly - and possessing MDMA with intent to distribute in a drug-free zone.

Muntefering received a combined 15 years for two crimes. He received 10 years for possessing MDMA with intent to distribute in a drug-free zone. He was also fined $5,000, and is required to pay court costs of $104 and prosecution costs of $178.92 for that crime.

He received another 10-year sentence for distributing MDMA, with five years suspended. He was fined $2,500, and must pay court costs of $104 and prosecution costs of $654. The sentences will be served consecutively, which means one after the other.

Muntefering's estimated first eligibility for parole will be April 2023.

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Muntefering and his fiance, 23-year-old Kaitlin Minder, who also lived at the residence, were arrested on Aug. 10 after law enforcement conducted a probation search.

Together, Minder and Muntefering own and operate Hungry Dog restaurant, which opened in October.

Muntefering briefly spoke to the court, which was filled with many of his friends and family, addressing how remorseful he was for the crimes.

"I'm sorry I contributed to the drugs in the community," Muntefering said before the sentence was handed down. " ... I take full responsibilities for my actions."

The charges stem from two incidents in July and August. Muntefering admitted to selling MDMA to a confidential informant for cash on July 25 at his residence near Dry Run Creek Park, a drug-free zone, in Mitchell.

Police allegedly found multiple substances, suspected to be MDMA, cocaine and marijuana. Police also seized $33,212 - the town's largest cash confiscation in 20 years.

"I wish there were another option," said judge Timothy Bjorkman after sentencing Muntefering. "... Someone who has no addiction like you paints a very striking portrait ... yet you pushed illegal drugs on addicts for money. I see drug pushers as arch nemesis of addicts and prey on their most vulnerable spots."

Judge Bjorkman added it was "heartbreaking" for him to have to send Muntefering to the state penitentiary but there had to be consequences for the crimes. The sentence also will show to others what can happen should they choose the same path, Bjorkman said.

Defense attorney Doug Dailey said Muntefering's actions came as a result of being in trouble financially, stating he took the "quick and easy way" to get back on his feet. And the establishment of Hungry Dog was to allow Munterfering, who has two children, to provide better for his family, Dailey said.

"It's been tough, and he has kept his chin up in a town of this size ..." Dailey said to the court. "I bring this up as an indication of his positive attitude."

Minder was sentenced in December to four years in prison and was ordered to pay a $14,000 fine. Her charges included possession of between 1 ounce and 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana with intent to distribute and possession of between 2 ounces and 1 1/2 pounds of marijuana.

Douglas Barnett, a drug prosecutor with the South Dakota Attorney General's Office, described Muntefering as a "straight-up, for-profit drug dealer," adding that his sentence should be an example to those in South Dakota.

"This is a troubling case for the state of South Dakota ..." Barnett said. "There should be a clear, swift message that that type of behavior is not tolerated."