Brandon Ecoffey, 25, Pine Ridge, pleaded not guilty to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine

Brandon Ecoffey, 25, Pine Ridge, pleaded not guilty to a federal grand jury indictment charging him with conspiracy to distribute cocaine and marijuana and possession with intent to distribute cocaine. He is charged along with seven others in connection with a conspiracy that prosecutors believe began in 2002 or earlier on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation. If convicted of conspiracy, he would face a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison with a maximum of life in prison. Conspiracy to distribute marijuana is punishable by a mandatory minimum of five years with a maximum of 40 years in prison upon conviction. The possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison upon conviction. Large fines are also possible. Ecoffey was released pending trial.