Larry Owens III, 25, of Lincoln Park, Michigan, BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) Federal authorities say five people are accused in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that brought more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine to two American Indian reservations in North Dakota in the last three years. There is a third person suspected of supervising several members, but he remains at large. Wrigley tells Weve had witnesses killed. Updated: Apr 23, 2021 / 11:15 AM EDT. You are not currently a NADDI member. Training and seminars for Federal, State, and Local Law Enforcement Agencies. Bakers sources were identified as Widmayer and Garcia. The group is charged of conspiring to move the drugs to North Dakota for distribution primarily on the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain reservations. FARGO Federal prosecutors have started to unveil defendants in a significant opioid trafficking case they say led one of the most violent Detroit gangs to North Dakota Indian reservations. 1114 As part of the initiative, more than 10.2 million fentanyl pills and nearly 980 pounds of fentanyl powder were seized during a nationwide enforcement activity between May 23 and September 8, 2022. OCDETF stands for Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, which is a keystone of the Attorney Generals strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. OCDETF identifies, disrupts and dismantles drug traffickers, money launderers, and transnational criminal organizations. Indictments have not been unsealed for the two men because charges havent been brought against 24 other possible defendants, Wrigley said. He was 23 years old, according to media reports. Baker was arrested in a June traffic stop in Grand Forks, were police seized 8 ounces of meth and $27,000. Also, 129 of those investigations are linked to social media platforms, including Snapchat, Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and TikTok. Web26 indicted in drug operation that targeted North Dakota reservations. Authorities allege that the ring leaders of the operation were Baquan Ramon Sledge Jr. and Darius Martese Sledge, who were each indicted for participaing in a Unless otherwise stated, photos Big Stock Photography Dreamstime Photos Google Maps Thompson Reuters. OCDETF stands for Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, which is a keystone of the Attorney Generals strategy to reduce the availability of illicit narcotics throughout the United States using a prosecutor-led, multi-agency approach to combat transnational organized crime. The U.S. Attorney Office in North Dakota was made aware of the case last summer, Wrigley said. Four other defendants Osagyefo Nagbe, 19, Farmington Hills, Mich.; Jonathan Bernard Walker, 39, Detroit; Basil Huntsalong, 35, Mandaree, N.D.; and Dennison Jay Nex Jr., 29, Parshall, N.D.; were named in Wednesday's news conference. Agencies involved in this effort include the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. The ring also reportedly had ties to Detroit, Mich. The last of the charged defendants, Smith, appeared in federal court November 8, 2021. Outside of South Dakota, agencies assisted from the Reno County (KS) Drug Enforcement Unit, Billings (MT) Drug Task Force, Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation, Saint Joe (MO) Drug Task Force, Utah Highway Patrol, Utah State Bureau of Investigation, Greensboro (NC) Drug Task Force, and the Yuba City (CA) NET5 Drug Task Force. The NADDI Board of Directors is pleased to announce the launch of our brand new website! They are preying on Native Americans who suffer from addiction, he added. Terry W. Van Horn 701-297-7458 terry.vanhorn@usdoj.gov. On the first occasion, he had marijuana in his possession and U.S. currency. 2008-2023 - Shore News Media & Marketing Ltd. Co. All rights reserved. FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) More charges have been filed in connection with what federal prosecutors say is a pipeline thats transporting drugs from the Detroit area to Indian reservations in North Dakota. Bell was sentenced on November 16, 2020, to more than 12 years in federal prison. We have multiple other, dozens of other indictments. Two of the firearms that had been recovered from the wreckage had been linked to shootings in Michigan, according to the court documents filed in federal court. Im incredibly proud of these dedicated state, local, tribal, and federal officers and agents, and all hands are on deck as we continue to work together to defeat the scourge of illegal drugs that is devastating communities across the State., Our partnership with the U.S. Attorneys office has been incredibly successful in this matter, said David Natvig, Director of the South Dakota Division of Criminal Investigation. No portions of this website may be reproduced, retransmitted, copied, or republished without expressed written consent from Shore News Media & Marketing, LLC. All Rights Reserved. (Valley News Live) - A four-month DEA investigation into drug trafficking in central North Dakota has resulted in the seizure of more than 11,000 fentanyl pills. November 9, 2021. The premium, the same pills that are being sold here in North Dakota for 80 dollars a pill, the exact same pill is going to sell for maybe 25 dollars in Chicago Wrigley said. Help us combat the proliferation of sexual exploitation crimes against children. However, Detroit has become a hub for shipping opioids to various parts of the U.S., he said. A later search of his vehicle yielded 73 grams of methamphetamine. Authorities said Baker had allegedly received up to 3 pounds of meth per month from Widmayer and Garcia since 2018. Stock and Lori H. Conroy assigned to the case. A federal grand jury has indicted several people in connection with a drug trafficking ring originating in Michigan and involving drug trafficking, including of oxycodone and the lethal fentanyl, in Minot and on the Fort Berthold reservation. CHARGES LESSENED FOR ND MAN ACCUSED OF RUNNING OVER, KILLING TEEN AFTER POLITICAL ARGUMENT. Widmayer was found to have 30 pounds of meth and $32,000 cash at his house in Minot, prosecutors said. ", "This indictment paints a tragic picture of a coordinated distribution effort to push this poison across tribal lands," said FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael Paul. He was charged as a juvenile. The South Dakota Attorney Generals Office charged nine persons with state offenses as part of the same Operation. Filed: April 13, 2023 as 3:2023cv00077 Plaintiff: Cornwell Quality Tools Co. Jamale White and Deeangelo Tyrone White Jr., whose aliases include Relly Dee, Delo, and Delo Baxk, were both indicted for conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and there were proceedings in district court in Michigan regarding their transfer to North Dakota to face charges here. The investigation indicated that Baker had been receiving 2-3 pounds of methamphetamine per month from Widmayer and Garcia since 2018, resulting in more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine. Wrigley suggested Rambus and his brother, Reuben, started drug operations in North Dakota before Reuben Rambus was shot in late 2016 in Detroit. Wrigley says heroin, oxycodone and fentanyl are the among the major drugs being sold on the Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations since 2015. Suspects are unique to their own alleged operations, Wrigley said. BISMARCK, N.D. Five people are accused in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that brought more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine to two American Indian reservations in North Dakota in the last three years. federally indicted as part of OCDETF Operation Say Uncle. The gang found its way to North Dakota because they can get a premium price for selling drugs, sometimes $100 per pill, Wrigley said. Announces Pharmacy Robbery-Burglary Protection Program with Pharmacists Mutual Insurance, Opioid Crisis Discussion Held In Ann Arbor, Norton Doctor Arrested and Faces Drug and Fraud Charges. WebDrug crimes are one of the most common offenses in North Dakota. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley says about 30 more people have been indicted charges in addition to the 26 defendants charged in federal court Thursday. You are going to see a lot of this case in the months and maybe even in the years up ahead, Wrigley said, referring to the case as Operation Letter to Reub. All rights reserved. FARGO For the third consecutive year, Gate City Bank has made Forbes list of Worlds Best Banks, claiming BISMARCK Gov. A Sullivan County grand jury has recently indicted 39 people on more than 200 drug-related counts. In November 2020, White had contact with North Dakota law enforcement on two occasions. WebOur North Dakota drug crime defense attorneys at Sand Law, PLLC have offices conveniently located throughout North Dakota to serve clients statewide, including Authorities say Baker had received up to 3 pounds of meth per month from Widmayer and Garcia since 2018. "This conspiracy is alleged to have been targeting North Dakota communities in multiple pound quantities and that translates to thousands of doses of drugs that have been intercepted and taken off the street before they could further fuel addition. The state charged defendants are being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Trevor Thielen. Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. The methamphetamine was primarily distributed on the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain Reservations. Jamale White also had a criminal record in Michigan and was allegedly driving a stolen Jeep that collided with a semi and caught fire in August 2020, leaving him with injuries. The individuals weve arrested and those under investigation are specifically targeting people on the reservations of North Dakota, DEA Omaha Division Special Agent in Charge Justin C. King said. More than 30 are linked directly to one or both of the primary Mexican cartels responsible for the majority of fentanyl in the United States. More people indicted for trafficking drugs on North Dakota Indian reservations January 8, 2021 Jim Monk FARGO, N.D. (KVRR) More charges have He called them a very talkative group. A federal grand jury has indicted several people in connection with a drug trafficking ring originating in Michigan and involving drug trafficking, including of Honor Flight Takes Around 100 Local Veterans to Washington, D.C. The indictment alleged that the following individuals conspired to sell methamphetamine: Uzziel Lucero Garcia, a/k/a O Girl, a/k/a Uzzi, age 25, Arizona, Allan Gordon Widmayer, a/k/a Woody, age 57, Minot, North Dakota, Corey James Baker, age 50, Sheyenne, North Dakota, Nathan James Smith, age 40, Fort Totten, North Dakota, Charlsie Marie Walking Elk, age 36, Tokio, North Dakota. Wrigley said his office is making a significant impact on preventing further drug trafficking in North Dakota by "cutting the head off" of criminal enterprises. The defendants are allegedly A jury trial has been scheduled for Feb. 23 in U.S. District Court in Fargo before Judge Peter Welte for some defendants whom authorities allege were part of a a drug trafficking ring that distributed oxycodone on the Fort Berthold, Turtle Mountain, and Spirit Lake reservations between 2015 and 2019. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley says about 30 more people have been indicted charges in addition to the 26 defendants charged in federal court Thursday. Money laundering was also allegedly part of the operation, with some of the participants wiring the proceeds of drug transactions from North Dakota to Michigan or other locations. The group is accused of conspiring to move the drugs to North Dakota for distribution primarily on the Spirit Lake and Turtle Mountain reservations. A grand jury indicted Uzziel Garcia, 25, of Arizona; Allan Widmayer, 57, of Minot; Corey Baker, 50, of Sheyenne; Nathan Smith, 40, of Fort Totten; and Charlsie Walking Elk, 36, of Tokio. The investigation remains active. The defendant is presumed innocent unless and until he is proven guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial. The premium, the same pills that are being sold here in North Dakota for 80 dollars a pill, the exact same pill is going to sell for maybe 25 dollars in Chicago Wrigley said. Copyright 2022 KVLY. WebDecember 13, 2022 A Tango Blast Gang Member (Texas Based Criminal Street Gang) Sentenced to Federal Prison in North Dakota Fort Totten, ND, Men Sentenced to Some of them were allegedly in possession of guns that were used to protect the drug supply and ongoing activity. The case is being prosecuted federally by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich. Fargo Acting United States Attorney Nick Chase announced that a federal grand jury has indicted five individuals for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Distribution of a Controlled Substance (Methamphetamine). BISMARCK, N.D. Five people are accused in a large-scale drug trafficking operation that brought more than 350 pounds of methamphetamine to two American Cheyenne and hundreds of other Native Americans in North Dakota have been ensnared by Detroit traffickers, who set up a drug pipeline more than a decade ago targeting North Dakota cities and reservations, according to tribal police and a supervisor with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. OMAHA, N.E. The South Dakota Attorney Generals Office has charged Travis Maho, Alex Nimmor, Duane Apple, Keith Laframboise, Orlyn Anderson, Tabitha Range, Chris Luke, Zack Franzen, and Christopher Tomac in connection with this investigation. At least 8 people have already pleaded guilty. John Umberger, 33, was found dead in May of 2022 after leaving The Q, a gay nightclub. MN: Minnesotas Lake Region Healthcare Recovering From Ransomware Attack, FL: Ex-federal agent indicted on charges of dealing painkillers, tipping off Miami-Dade ring, CO: Former Paramedic Sentenced to Three Years in Prison for Stealing Medical-Grade Fentanyl, VA: Arlington Doctor Charged with Illegally Distributing Oxycodone, NADDI Releases 2016 Statistics for NPLEx System, NPLEx Tracking System Shows Progress in Stalling Meth-Makers, NADDI Releases Second Quarter 2017 Statistics for NPLEx System, Michigan unveils information to combat opioid epidemic, Scripps Safe, Inc. This case is being investigated Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs Division of Drug Enforcement, Ward County Narcotics Task Force, Grand Forks County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Region Narcotics Task Force, and Eddy County Sheriffs Department, and the case is being prosecuted by the United States Attorneys office, with Assistant United States Attorneys Alex J. Copyright Minot Daily News | https://www.minotdailynews.com | 301 4th St SE, Minot, ND 58701 | 701-857-1900. She's seen more and more fentanyl-laced pills, with dealers who supply the reservation also setting up hubs in the closest cities across North Dakota: Bismarck, Minot and Williston. One of the most notorious traffickers was Wakefield. The defendants are allegedly Media Notification: Assistant US Attorneys Stock and Conroy are available for comments at 11:00 a.m., November 9, 2021 at 701-297-7400. Anyone with information on people charged in the latest round of indictments is asked to call the Wise County Sheriffs Office at (276) 328-3566. Defendant: Kelly A. Walter and Kayla B. Walter Cause Of Action: 15 U.S.C. (Valley News Live) - A four-month DEA investigation into drug trafficking in central North Dakota has resulted in the seizure of more than 11,000 fentanyl pills. According to the court documents, White is deemed a flight risk and his social media pages are filled with pictures of him with guns and conversations between some co-defendants about the sale of firearms and trafficking of oxycodone and fentanyl pills. With this in mind, its important that we continue educating our families and friends on the deadly consequences of this toxic drug.. Create an account. Those federally charged include: Erick Anaya (30, Archdale, NC); Kelly Barker (67, Rapid City, SD ); Ricardo Barragan (30, Aurora, CO); Christopher Bell (27, Rapid City, SD); Nathan Bellew (39, Hot Springs, SD); Kelley Blevins (42, Box Elder, SD); Robert Brenden (33, Rapid City, SD); Jennifer Cagle (32, Box Elder, SD); Robert Cagle (31, Box Elder, SD); Uzziel Carillo-Rojas (33, Mazatlan, Mexico); Charles Clark (42, Box Elder, SD); Jennifer Clark (41, Box Elder, SD); Mason Colbath (29, Rapid City, SD); Michael Cole (30, Rapid City, SD); Melvin Corbine (43, Rapid City, SD); Justin Coyle (34, Rapid City, SD); Lenin Flores-Herrera (27, Mazatlan, Mexico); Matthew Foster (43, Huron, SD); Luis Gonzalez Meza (42, Tijuana, Mexico); Patrick Greenfield (30, Rapid City, SD); Erin Hunter (35, Rapid City, SD); Rayne Jackson (27, Denver, CO); Stephen Jordan (30, Rapid City, SD); Scott Kallstrom (40, Rapid City, SD); Christina Kruse (23, Sioux Falls, SD); Anthony Larson (40, Rapid City, SD); Delaine Martinez (43, Billings, MT); Michael McLeod (41, Rapid City, SD); Teri Moore (36, Hot Springs, SD); Javier Reyna (56, Oceanside, CA); Tiana Rountree (24, Rapid City, SD); Aynjel Schumacher (26, Rapid City, SD); Martin Shaw (45, Rapid City, SD); Michael Sherard (34, Brooklyn Park, MN); John Thornberry (23, Spearfish, SD); Darwin Toof (30, Box Elder, SD ); and Eric Yockey (35, Black Hawk, SD). He added that three leaders of the ring are charged with In January, Wrigley announced Marshals Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, Rapid City Police Department, Pennington County Sheriffs Office, Internal Revenue Service, U.S. As part of the conspiracy, some of the defendants allegedly sought out oxycodone users to buy illegal drugs from others or found sub-distributors of oxycodone to provide the drug for other conspirators, according to the complaint. Wrigley tells KVRR News that the people involved in these cases are violent and dangerous. A 10-month investigation by the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force into violence and drug dealing in the area of Pennsylvania and North Avenues in West Baltimore has led to six federal indictments charging a total of 29 defendants for conspiracy, drug distribution, and firearms charges. 26 defendants were charged in a separate ring Dubbed Operation Blue Prairie, that investigation uncovered the trafficking of tens of thousands of oxycodone pills worth $2.5 million that came from Detroit. The charges allege the defendants conspired with each other to bring multiple pounds of methamphetamine into Western South Dakota beginning in 2019 and continuing into 2020. Its a pattern of violence that the people that we deal with in law enforcement over in Michigan and particularly in Detroit will tell you that some of the people that are involved are among the most violent people there.. In turn, lives are being destroyed, families are torn apart and communities are stretched to their breaking point. Their cooperation and assistance have helped all the law enforcement agencies involved to see the fruits of the hard work they put into building this case.. Four of Chapos Sons Indicted for Large-Scale Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering, and Violent Crimes as Alleged Leaders of Sinaloa Cartel April 14, 2023 Doug Burgum on Saturday signed a major pension reform bill that protects the retirement benefits DENVER FEMA has approved $3.7 million in Public Assistance funding for COVID-19 and severe winter storm and Trucks carrying fresh vegetables, bakery items, boxed goods and other items will be making stops in Dodge, Mandaree Kevin Vigested has been named the new president and CEO at Aspire Credit Union. Agents with the MHA Nation's Division of Drug Enforcement make a drug-related arrest during a June traffic stop in Parshall, North Dakota. Wakefield insists he wasn't the mastermind who decided to target North Dakota, his attorney, Kent Morrow, told The Courier Journal. "It was all directed from Detroit," Morrow said. Its a pattern of violence that the people that we deal with in law enforcement over in Michigan and particularly in Detroit will tell you that some of the people that are involved are among the most violent people there.. DEA officials say the bust is tied to one case investigated as part of their One Pill Can Kill initiative. Posted: Apr 22, 2021 / 07:32 PM EDT. A 10-month investigation by the Baltimore OCDETF Strike Force into violence and drug dealing in the area of Pennsylvania and North Avenues in West Baltimore has led to six federal indictments charging a total of 29 defendants for conspiracy, drug distribution, and firearms charges. Announces Pharmacy Robbery-Burglary Protection Program With Pharmacists Mutual Insurance NAPLES, FL 02/07/2019 (PRDistribution.com) Scripps WEMU 89.1 Online; audio of the discussion can be found at the below link https://www.wemu.org/post/opioid-crisis-discussion-held-ann-arbor ByJORGE AVELLANMAY 15, 2019 A Norton physician has been charged with obtaining drugs by fraud and related crimes. ST. LOUIS A federal grand jury indicted Derek Rockette for charges that include conspiracy to distribute and to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine and fentanyl. Prosecutors allege the 30-person group at the center of Operation Letter to Reub started trafficking opioids to North Dakota in 2015, with operations continuing into this year. The first trials are scheduled to begin in February. Copyright Minot Daily News | https://www.minotdailynews.com | 301 4th St SE, Minot, ND 58701 | 701-857-1900. The indictments are currently sealed because of the sheer number of defendants, Wrigley said. 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