Mitchell man faces 35 years in prison for alleged drug operation at Freedom Valu Center – Mitchell Republic

MITCHELL — A 43-year-old Mitchell man appeared in court Tuesday to face several drug-related charges stemming from an alleged drug operation uncovered at the Freedom Valu Center in Mitchell earlier this month.

Mark Leach Jr. denied violating probation in one case and pleaded not guilty to several drug-related charges in another. Leach was on probation for a drug conviction dating back to 2022 at the time of his arrest. The new charges against Leach include unauthorized manufacture, distribution or possession of methamphetamine, a Class 3 felony; a violation of a drug-free zone, a class 4 felony; two counts of possession of controlled substances (methamphetamine and methylphenidate patches), both class 5 misdemeanors; and use or possession of drug paraphernalia, a class 2 misdemeanor.

If convicted, Leach faces up to 35 years in prison and fines of up to $70,000. The charges carry a mandatory minimum sentence of six years in prison.

The court denied Leach’s personal bond request and kept his bond at $10,000 cash. A jury trial is scheduled for February.

The investigation began with a traffic stop on October 4, 2024 in the Freedom Valu Center parking lot. Officers found methamphetamine and drug paraphernalia in Leach’s vehicle. A subsequent search of his residence revealed evidence of distribution of methamphetamine and unauthorized prescription drugs.

This investigation also led to the arrest of two other defendants: Leach’s roommate, Tina Hauge, who faces two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia, and another store employee, Shelly Klapkin, who was charged with possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jennifer Leither joined the Mitchell Republic in April 2024. She grew up in Sioux Falls, SD, where she attended Lincoln High School. She continued her education at South Dakota State University and graduated in December 2000 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism. While in college, Leither worked as a reporter for the campus newspaper, The Collegian. She also interned for Anderson Publications in Canistota, SD, in the summer of 2000. After graduation, Leither continued to reside in the Sioux Falls area and worked as a freelance writer for the Argus Leader for several years.
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