On March 4, 2026, the Watertown Police Department arrested Dirk Leadabrand, 55, of Watertown, following a narcotics investigation. During the investigation, detectives received information that Leadabrand was distributing methamphetamine in Watertown. On March 4, 2026, officers executed a search warrant at Leadabrand’s residence in northwest Watertown. Leadabrand was taken into custody at the residence without incident. During the search, officers located methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and items commonly associated with the distribution and use of controlled substances.
Leadabrand was arrested and booked into the Codington County Detention Center on the following charges:
- Distribution of Methamphetamine in a Drug Free Zone – Two Counts
- Maintaining a Place Where Drugs Are Kept or Sold
- Possession of Methamphetamine
- Ingestion of Methamphetamine
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
Bond was set at $10,000 cash.
All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.