On September 27, 2025, at approximately 11:47 a.m., a Watertown Police officer conducted a traffic stop in southeast Watertown. The driver, identified as 35-year-old Chantel Rodengen of Wallace, was found to be operating a vehicle with a suspended driver’s license and is currently on parole. A search of the vehicle revealed a large quantity of methamphetamine packaged for sale, as well as drug paraphernalia and items consistent with distribution. Rodengen was arrested and transported to the Codington County Detention Center and charged with the following charges:
- Possession of a Methamphetamine
- Ingestion of a Controlled Substance
- Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine
- Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
- Driving While Suspended
Bond for Rodengen was set at $10,000 cash. This case remains under investigation. All suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.