District of North Dakota
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Bismarck Man Sentenced to 10 Years in Jail for Discharging a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking CrimeRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 28, 2017, Vernon Valentino Pook Jr. was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 10 years in prison for Discharge of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Crime. Judge Hovland also sentenced Pook Jr. to five years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
In the early morning hours of June 5, 2016, Pook Jr. fired 14 rounds from a Springfield XD 9mm handgun into an occupied residence on Center Street, Bismarck, ND and vehicles parked outside, for an untimely repayment for an ounce of marihuana.
This case was investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Special Assistant United States Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nd/
Devils Lake Man Sentenced on Federal Drug ChargeRead the Press Release
FARGO – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 7, 2017, Jeremy Arlen Crist, age 40, of Devils Lake, ND, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 10 years in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance. Judge Erickson further sentenced Crist to 8 years of supervised release and ordered him to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
A Confidential Informant (CI) working with the Lake Region Narcotics Task Force arranged a methamphetamine deal to take place in nearby St. Michael, North Dakota. Law enforcement officers followed the CI to St. Michael where two individuals, one later identified as Crist, were observed by law enforcement exiting the vehicle. Officers approached and found Crist in possession of marijuana in addition to a plastic baggie with purported methamphetamine residue; Crist was subsequently arrested on those charges. Law enforcement further discovered and seized a total of 12 bags of methamphetamine, as well as drug paraphernalia indicative of illicit drug sales. A purity analysis of the methamphetamine that Crist had was conducted and found to be over 99.5% pure.
This case was investigated by the Lake Region Narcotics Task Force; Devils Lake Police Department; North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation; Bureau of Indian Affairs; U S Fish & Wildlife Service; Benson County State’s Attorney’s Office; and the North Dakota Crime Laboratory.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Rodenbiker.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nd
Park River Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in DeathRead the Press Release
Park River Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Death
FARGO – U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on July 31, 2017, Zachary David Chyle, age 26, Parker River, ND, was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 15 years in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with the Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Death, and a second count of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Death. Judge Erickson also sentenced Chyle to five years of supervised release, ordered him to pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund, and a Restitution of $7894.58.
Chyle admitted that he provided Mr. Eugene D. Mecham, age 30, of Grafton, ND Furanyl Fentanyl that resulted in the August 26, 2016, overdose death of Mecham. Mecham was discovered by his father in the basement of his parents’ Grafton home, dead of an apparent drug overdose. An autopsy revealed the cause of death as sudden and unexpected death associated with furanyl fentanyl intoxication and a blood toxicological analysis was positive for this analogue drug. An investigation revealed Chyle had introduced Mecham to the opioid and later acquired more through the DarkNet, which Chyle prepared and provided to Mecham.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security; North Dakota Bureau of Investigation and Crime Lab; Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force; Walsh County Sheriff’s Office and State’s Attorney; and the Grafton Police Department, with forensic and autopsy assistance from the UND School of Medicine and Health Sciences Department of Pathology.
This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Jake Rodenbiker.
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nd
Mandaree Man Found Guilty of Sexual Abuse and Attempted Tampering with a WitnessRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 21, 2017, a federal jury convicted Kalolo Nathaniel Iu, 28, Mandaree, ND, on charges of Sexual Abuse and Attempted Tampering with a Witness.
Evidence presented at trial showed that between November 20, 2016, and November 21, 2016, Kalolo Iu physically assaulted and sexually abused the mother of his children on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Specifically, on November 20, 2016, Iu punched and kicked the victim multiple times and, because of this assault, the victim sustained several bruises across her body, including a black eye that was swollen shut. The next morning, on November 21, 2016, approximately twelve hours after assaulting the victim, Iu climbed on top of and engaged in forcible sexual intercourse with the victim. introduced at trial also demonstrated that when Iu got on top of and engaged in sexual intercourse with the victim, she told Iu “no.” She tried to push Iu away using her hands and legs, and held up her underwear as the defendant pulled them down because she was scared that Iu would physically assault her again. She was also in substantial pain as a result of Iu assaulting her the previous night.
On March 10, 2017, law enforcement arrested Iu on the federal sexual abuse warrant. Subsequent to Iu’s arrest on this warrant, and in order to influence and prevent the victim’s testimony at trial, Iu contacted the victim multiple times. Specifically, when Iu spoke with the victim, he attempted to intimidate, threaten, and persuade her to both lie to law enforcement and to drop the sexual abuse charge against him.
Furthermore, evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that Iu had previously physically assaulted, threatened, and stalked the victim and, on January 5, 2012, because of one of these prior physical assaults, Iu received a federal conviction for Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury in the United States District Court for the District of North Dakota.
Sentencing for Kalolo Iu has been scheduled for October 2, 2017, at 9:00 a.m. in Bismarck, ND.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan O’Konek prosecuted the case.
Polk County Woman Pleads Guilty for Role in Murder CaseRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 15, 2017, Lorie Ortiz, 32, Crookston, Minn., pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a Superseding Indictment charging her with Accessory After the Fact to Murder.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement following the shooting death of Austin Forsman at the Flying J truck stop located in Grand Forks, ND, on March 11, 2016. The murder investigation quickly resulted in the unravelling of a large methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy operating in the Red River Valley, and resulted in thirteen (13) individuals being charged in Federal Court. At the plea hearing, Ortiz admitted that, following the murder, she was involved in destroying or attempting to destroy evidence, namely cell phones, in an effort to assist the participants in the murder from being caught by authorities.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for Sept. 8, 2017, at the US District Court, Fargo.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland
Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Grand Forks Narcotics
Task Force.
US Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting this case.
Federal Prosecutions in North Dakota Explode with Opiate CrisisRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced today that over the last 24 months, thirty-seven (37) individuals have been charged or sentenced with heroin and/or fentanyl related crimes in federal court within the District of North Dakota.
US Attorney Myers stated, “We have prosecuted more fentanyl-related cases in federal court in North Dakota in the past two years than in the previous 10 years combined. There are a number of reasons why. First, we are aggressively targeting opiate traffickers whose product causes serious bodily harm or death. Second, with the introduction of substances like fentanyl, carfentanil, and their analogues into the local drug market, the level of risk to users, or even those people inadvertently exposed, has increased dramatically. Finally, the opiate epidemic is a healthcare crisis in North Dakota, as well as across the United States. With so many people addicted to these substances, the demand created makes it a lucrative endeavor for drug trafficking organizations.”
The following individuals have been sentenced for their roles in the trafficking of heroin, fentanyl, and/or analogues:
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Jameson Robert Sele - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and was sentenced on July 27, 2015, to 3 years incarceration.
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Ryan Jon Jensen - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; two Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Jensen was sentenced on February 2, 2016, to 20 years incarceration.
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David Todd Noye Jr. - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and was sentenced on January 25, 2016, to 3 years and 3 months incarceration.
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Joshua Tyler Fulp - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death, and was sentenced on January 27, 2016, to 12 years incarceration.
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Kain Daniel Schwandt - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, and was sentenced on January 25, 2016, to 3 ½ years incarceration.
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Brandon Corde Hubbard - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Hubbard was sentenced on July 13, 2016, to incarceration for the remainder of his natural life.
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Braden James Foley - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on November 21, 2016, to 2 ½ years incarceration.
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Gregory Alan Krutsinger – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and was sentenced on October 4, 2016, to 18 years incarceration.
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Tyrone Wilburn – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and was sentenced on January 23, 2017, to 12 ½ years incarceration.
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John Michael Iten – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on May 15, 2017, to 5 years incarceration.
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Dalton Lavelle White – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, and was sentenced on May 15, 2017, to 18 ½ years incarceration.
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Brandon Beyer – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on October 19, 2016, to 4 years incarceration.
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Steven Jay Maynard Hoffman – Pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on January 25, 2017, to 4 ½ years incarceration.
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Naomi Marie Danielson – Pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on November 30, 2016, to 2 years incarceration.
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Matthew Gerald Davis – Pled guilty to Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on February 6, 2017, to 5 years incarceration.
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Laquan Andre Thomas -Pled guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance Analogues, and was sentenced on May 8, 2017, to 5 years incarceration.
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Rocky Laurence Fowler - Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, and was sentenced on February 21, 2017, to 3 months’ incarceration followed by 3 years supervised release.
Myers added: “The average sentence for the above cases is roughly 9 ½ years in federal prison. It is no secret that the penalties in federal court for drug trafficking are much more severe than state court. We want drug traffickers to understand that if you traffic in fentanyl or similar substances in North Dakota, no matter what the amount, you will likely find yourself in federal court.”
The following individuals have pled guilty for their role in distributing heroin, fentanyl, or various analogues:
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Ronnie Lee Helms - Pled guilty on March 1, 2017, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance Analogue Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; sentencing set for July 31, 2017.
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Brandon Joseph Jacobs – Pled guilty on January 25, 2017, to Distribution of a Controlled Substance; sentencing set for June 12, 2017.
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Caleb Austin Ross - Pled guilty on April 24, 2017, to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance Analogue Within 1000 Feet of a School; sentencing set for August 17, 2017.
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Zachary David Chyle – Pled guilty on March 27, 2017, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute Resulting in Death and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; sentencing set for July 31, 2017.
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Christian Harris – Pled guilty on February 22, 2017, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; sentencing set for June 15, 2017.
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Joshua Robert Duran - Pled guilty on May 8, 2017, to Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Prohibited Person; sentencing set for September 11, 2017.
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Nathan Alan Goldsack - Pled guilty on September 14, 2016, to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance; two Counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Heroin; two Counts of Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine; awaiting a sentencing date
Drug Enforcement Administration Assistant Special Agent in Charge Kenneth J. Solek said, “As the lead federal agency responsible for the enforcement of our Nation’s drug laws, the DEA will continue to be an active law enforcement partner with all federal, state, and local law enforcement entities that are combating the scourge of opioid abuse and the harm which results. This issue is both a North Dakota and National public safety concern since a minute amount can and often results in death. DEA will continue its partnership with both the United States Attorney’s Office and local state prosecutors to ensure that those who are responsible for the tremendous pain being levied on our communities are held fully accountable. DEA fully supports demand reduction efforts and will continue to engage the public in open forums, safety bulletins and media outreach, in an attempt to better inform the public as to the dangers associated with heroin, fentanyl, and all dangerous drugs.”
“These are dangerous substances that destroy everything they touch, tear apart lives, and ruin communities,” said Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of Homeland Security Investigation - St. Paul. “Fentanyl and carfentanil alone are exponentially more dangerous than heroin, and are so hazardous that even law enforcement must take special precautions during arrests. The significant increase in arrests and aggressive prosecutions against the people pushing these drugs demonstrates the intensity and tenacity with which law enforcement is attacking this issue and highlights what successful partnerships can accomplish.”
An additional thirteen (13) defendants have been indicted on opiate-related charges and are awaiting trial this summer and fall.
Myers concluded, “Law enforcement cannot arrest our way out of this crisis; however, targeting the traffickers of these substances is an important part of the strategy. Only with community commitment to a multi-faceted approach and participation by leaders in treatment, healthcare, education, law enforcement, faith organizations, businesses, as well as all sectors of our communities, will we find some measure of success. There is hope if we continue to work together.”
An Indictment is merely an accusation, a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity; individuals charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
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Jamestown Man Pleads Guilty to Distribution and Possession of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on June 12, 2017, Alexander Robert McManus, 55, Jamestown, ND, pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to a three-Count Indictment. McManus pled guilty to one Count of Receipt and Distribution of Materials Containing Child Pornography and two Counts of Possession of Materials Containing Child Pornography.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after McManus’s wife reported finding a cell phone wedged behind the refrigerator that contained child pornography. Upon questioning by law enforcement, McManus admitted that the child pornography on the cell phone belonged to him. McManus further admitted that other devices in his home, including a flash drive underneath his bedroom mattress, contained additional child pornography. A subsequent forensic examination of this media revealed thousands of images of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct, some of which depicted children as young as two years of age, as well as other images which depicted sadistic conduct involving children.
This case was investigated by the Jamestown Police Department and the North Dakota BCI.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
U.S. Marshals Service in Jamaica Apprehends Fugitive Wanted in Connection with North Dakota Telemarketing Fraud Lottery ScamRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Chris Myers announced today, that the U.S. Marshals Service, working with Jamaican law enforcement, has located and apprehended another man charged with participating in an international organized crime advance fee “lottery scam” which defrauded at least 90 mostly elderly U.S. residents out of more than $5.8 million.
Federal fugitive Gregory Gooden was arrested earlier this week in Kingston, Jamaica. Gooden, a Jamaican national, is one of 15 defendants charged federally in an international wire/mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy investigation based in North Dakota, dubbed “Operation Hard Copy.” The investigation resulted in federal indictments throughout the United States. In North Dakota, more than 10 defendants have entered guilty pleas in related cases. One of Gooden’s former co-defendants, Sanjay Ashani Williams, was convicted following trial in North Dakota in 2015, and was sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for selling victim lead lists used in the lottery scam.
Nine other defendants charged in the current case were arrested in Jamaica and have been extradited to the United States, where they await trial. Defendant Tristan Fisher was arrested on December 2, 2016, in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, and is in custody there while his extradition case is being heard in the Jamaican court system. Another defendant was arrested in Providence, Rhode Island, and also awaits trial. Three individuals charged in this case remain fugitives and are believed to be in Jamaica: Gareth Billings; Akil Gray; and Mario Hines, aka “Buju Ramos.”
The U.S. Marshals Service is the primary federal agency responsible for tracking and extraditing fugitives apprehended in foreign countries and wanted for prosecution in the United States. The Marshals Service sees to it that there is no safe haven for criminals outside of the territorial boundaries of the United States.
U.S. Attorney Myers praised the tireless work of Operation Hard Copy lead investigators from the Federal Bureau of Investigation - North Dakota office, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service – Florida office.
An Indictment is merely an accusation, a method by which a person is charged with criminal activity; individuals charged are presumed innocent until, and unless, proven guilty.
Fort Yates Woman Sentenced for Child Neglect and AbuseRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 30, 2017, Shayla Left Hand, 22, Fort Yates, ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve a total of 20 years in prison and five (5) years of supervised release. On February 8, 2017, Left Hand pled guilty to an Information charging her with four counts of Child Neglect in Indian Country and one count of Child Abuse in Indian Country. Judge Hovland further ordered Left Hand to pay a $500 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, as well as pay restitution in the amount of $72,305.14.
Law enforcement were dispatched to the residence of Shayla Left Hand and Calvin Crow Eagle; upon entering the residence, law enforcement located a four-year-old-male child that they could see had severe burns covering his body. The child was immediately transported to Indian Health Services (IHS) where doctors found that a significant portion of the boy’s body had second or third-degree burns and that the child could possibly die. It was further noted that the boy suffered from malnutrition, in addition to observing other signs of physical abuse. The child was transported by air ambulance to a burn unit located in Minnesota where he received treatment for his injuries. Left Hand subsequently admitted to pouring scalding water on the boy because the boy messed his pants. Left Hand did not seek any medical treatment for the boy’s injuries for approximately five days, which was when law enforcement located the boy at the residence. Further investigation revealed that Left Hand would leave the four-year-old boy, along with another three-year-old child, locked in the home with a padlock while away from the residence.
Sentencing for co-defendant Calvin Crow Eagle is scheduled for June 19, 2017, at 10:00a.m.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Standing Rock and the Federal Bureau of Investigation-Bismarck.
Assistant US Attorney Brandi Sasse Russell prosecuted the case.
Dickinson Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Distribution of MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US attorney Christopher C Myers announced that on May 10, 2017, Windy Lynn Panzo, 49, Dickinson, ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L Hovland to serve 25 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Judge Hovland also ordered Panzo to pay a $400 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement on approximately October 12, 2015, when law enforcement entered a Dickinson parking lot known for drug trafficking and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle of which Panzo was the driver. A search of the vehicle turned up various types of drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.
On October 21, 2015, while conducting surveillance on an area reported to law enforcement as being an area where drug activity was occurring, a traffic stop was made and Panzo was again identified as the driver of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm pistol and multiple drug paraphernalia were found. Panzo was prohibited from possession of a firearm or ammunition due to her previous felony convictions. Panzo subsequently admitted to distributing more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine.
Other co-defendants associated with Panzo are:
John Carlton Roberts, who received 10 years in prison
Boyd Dale Padgett, who received 15 years in prison
Arrah Marie Lane, who received 1 year and 8 months in prison
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southwest Narcotics Task Force.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted this case
Eight Extradited from Jamaica to North Dakota to Face Lottery Fraud ChargesRead the Press Release
Eight Jamaicans charged in a transnational organized crime advance fee “lottery scam” fraud are now in federal custody in the United States, after the Jamaican government ordered them extradited last month. The eight were arrested in Jamaica over one year ago, shortly after the United States applied to the Jamaican government to arrest and extradite 14 defendants charged federally in a wire/mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy investigation dubbed “Operation Hard Copy.” The charges allege the scam bilked at least 90 mostly elderly U.S. residents out of over $5.7 million dollars, announced U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
The eight defendants extradited are Dahlia Elaine Hunter, Kimberly Carlo-Jean Hudson, Kazrae Gray, Dario Palmer aka “Innocent Palmer,” Jason Joseph Jahalal, O’Neil Brown, Alrick McLeod aka “Birdman” aka “Z-Bird,” and Xanu Ann Morgan.
“After years of hard work we are pleased and grateful the Jamaican government joins us in recognizing the terrible toll of the Jamaican lottery fraud,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “Untold numbers of Americans fall prey to scammers, losing millions upon millions of dollars, law-abiding Jamaicans suffer from the effects of increased lawlessness and violent crime associated with the fraud, and that negatively impacts citizens of both countries.”
“Cooperation between the United States and Jamaica was key in this extradition and remains integral to combating crime that crosses our borders,” said Acting U.S. Marshal Dan Orr of the District of North Dakota. “It sends a strong message that no matter the distance and location, the United States Marshals will work tirelessly to find offenders and bring them to justice.”
Another defendant, Lavrick Willocks, was arrested in Jamaica on Nov. 5, 2016, waived extradition and is in federal custody in North Dakota awaiting trial. Defendant Tristan Fisher was arrested on Dec. 2, 2016, in Trelawny Parish, Jamaica, and is currently in custody. A third defendant, Melinda Claudina Bulgin, was arrested June 16, 2015, in Providence, Rhode Island, and is awaiting trial. Four individuals charged in the case remain fugitives: Mario Hines aka “Buju Ramos,” Gregory Gooden, Akil Gray and Gareth Billings.
Operation Hard Copy began in 2012 and is based in the District of North Dakota. The FBI’s Bismarck Resident Agency and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Florida lead the investigation, with substantial assistance from the Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs, many federal and state law enforcement agencies, and Jamaican authorities. The ongoing investigation has resulted in multiple federal indictments throughout the United States. One of Willocks’ former co-defendants, Sanjay Ashani Williams, was convicted after trial in North Dakota in 2015 and sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for selling victim lead lists used in international cyber-fraud. More than 10 other defendants have entered guilty pleas in related cases in North Dakota.
“The apprehension and extradition of these suspects is possible because of the continuing efforts of the United States Marshals Service, the FBI, the Jamaican Fugitive Apprehension Team and all of our U.S. and Jamaican law enforcement colleagues,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “We look forward to continuing to fight this fraud targeting some of our most vulnerable citizens.”
“These extraditions highlight the parallel efforts of U.S. and Jamaican law enforcement to prosecute those who prey on our nation’s senior citizens,” said Inspector in Charge Antonio J. Gomez of the U.S. Postal Service Inspection Service’s Miami Division. “The mission of the Postal Inspection Service is to protect consumers by ensuring the nation’s mail system is not used as a tool for fraud by international scammers.”
“Fraud schemes like this one have become all too common in the United States and take an exacting toll on their unwitting victims. Today’s success is the next step in stopping these crimes and bringing justice to criminals anywhere in the world,” Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “This effort was made possible by the hard work of our Bismarck Resident agents, the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We are also grateful for the cooperation of the U.S. Marshals Service in bringing these defendants to the United States so that they may stand trial. The FBI and our partners look forward to presenting our case to the Court and are hopeful that justice will be served.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Clare Hochhalter, Assistant U.S. Attorney Nick Chase, Assistant U.S. Attorney James Patrick Thomas, and Department of Justice Trial Attorney Lorinda Laryea are prosecuting the cases.
An indictment is merely an accusation and individuals charged are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Illinois Resident Found Guilty Following Sex Trafficking TrialRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 20, 2017, Anthony Donte Collier, aka Koleone the Great, 29, Illinois, was found guilty following an 11 ½ day jury trial of Conspiracy to Engage in Sex Trafficking, Sex Trafficking of a Child, and four (4) Counts of Sex Trafficking.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after Collier’s state probation officer discovered an image on Collier’s Facebook page depicting a young woman on her knees, dressed in lingerie, with a dog collar around her neck attached to a leash, which was held by Collier. Law enforcement learned that Collier was frequenting hotels with that same woman depicted in the image and subsequently obtained a search warrant for Collier’s cell phone, which contained images of several women, including a 17-year-old juvenile girl. During the forensic examination of the cellphone, law enforcement found that the same images located on Collier’s cellphone were also seen on backpage.com under the “Escort” section. The exam further revealed that the cellphone was utilized to purchase Bitcoins, which were ultimately used to purchase advertisements on backpage.com; the ads depicted the same women/photos. Backpage.com is an online classified advertising company, which Collier utilized to advertise the women for sex.
Victims were subsequently identified and interviewed, during which time they disclosed that Collier assaulted them, including urinating on one of the victims, to compel the victims to engage in commercial sex acts. The sex acts occurred in hotels as well as private residences located in both Moorhead and Fargo. A total of five victims were identified and interviewed as part of this case.
“Anthony Collier trafficked five victims into sexual slavery, including a 17 year old girl. His actions have forever changed the lives of these victims,” said Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of HSI St. Paul. “But they and the people of the community can take some measure of comfort knowing that he is facing a lengthy prison term. HSI is proud of the work we’ve accomplished with our local law enforcement partners and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.”
US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson has set sentencing for July 24, 2017, at 10:00 AM, in the US District Court Fargo.
This case was investigated by the Moorhead Police Department, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorneys Jennifer Puhl and Brett Shasky prosecuted this case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consist of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, ND BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
The NDHTTF includes representatives from Youthworks, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Lutheran Social Services, the ND Association of Counties, a Force to End hUman Sexual Exploitation (FUSE), a survivor of human trafficking, First Nations Women’s Alliance (FNWA), and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Rugby Native Sentenced in Bank RobberyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 18, 2017, Rondal Franklin Heitsch, 52, of Rugby, ND, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland on a charge of Bank Robbery; Heitsch pled guilty to the charge on January 20, 2017.
Judge Hovland sentenced Heitsch to five years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release. Heitsch was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On September 21, 2016, at approximately 2:20 p.m., Heitsch entered Bremer Bank, located at 710 South Washington Street, Bismarck, North Dakota, handed one of the bank teller’s a note in which he demanded money and, after receiving the money, left the bank. No weapon was possessed or used. Police canvassed the area and quickly located Heitsch, who was found to be in possession of the stolen money.
The case was investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case.
Bismarck Man Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK – US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 12, 2017, Jose Antonio Tovar, 53, Bismarck ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 13 years in prison and to pay a $500 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund for his role in a Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess a Controlled Substance. Judge Hovland also ordered Tovar to serve 10 years of supervised release.
Law enforcement had been informed that Tovar was suspected of distributing methamphetamine in the Bismarck area between November 2015 and December 2015. During further investigation, law enforcement learned that Tovar was receiving and distributing multiple ounces of methamphetamine. A subsequent search warrant executed at his residence revealed various drug paraphernalia and meth residue.
This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Metro Area Narcotics Task Force.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
Former Railroad Employee Sentenced for Sexual Exploitation of a MinorRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on April 10, 2017, James Dwight Andrew Monego, 46, Illinois, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 10 years and one month after pleading guilty to one count of Possessing Images Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of Minors and Distribution. Judge Hovland also sentenced Monego to serve 10 years of supervised release, pay restitution in the amount of $1500, and pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Monego, who was an employee of BNSF, was caught after numerous cyber tips led to multiple hotels that Monego was staying at within the District of North Dakota as he traveled through the state because of his employment. The cyber tips indicated that Monego was using an account on a website entitled, "Chatstep," wherein he was communicating with other individuals with whom he would trade images and videos depicting the sexual assault of children.
This case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security Investigations and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations.
Assistant US Attorney Gary Delorme prosecuted the case.
U.S. Attorney’s Office to Commemorate National Crime Victims’ Rights WeekRead the Press Release
FARGO - U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced today that on April 7, 2017, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota will host a National Crime Victims’ Rights Week Awards Ceremony to raise awareness about crime victims’ rights and to recognize individuals throughout the state who provide outstanding services to crime victims. The awards ceremony will take place at the Quentin N. Burdick United States Courthouse, Jury Assembly Room, 655 First Avenue North, Fargo, at 10:30 a.m.
The U. S. Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) leads communities throughout the country in their annual observances of the national Crime Victims’ Rights Week, which is April 2-8, by promoting victims’ rights and honoring crime victims and those who advocate on their behalf. This year’s theme – Strength. Resilience. Justice. – emphasizes the importance of multidisciplinary responses and building the capacity of individuals, service providers, and communities to respond to crime and support the ongoing healing of victims and survivors. The theme also supports OVC’s Vision 21 Initiative, which encourages research, address emerging issues, and building the capacity of victim service organizations by increasing the use of technology and training.
Members of the media will be permitted to bring appropriate still photo, video, and audio equipment to the Jury Assembly Room for purposes of covering this event. The public is also invited to attend.
Bismarck Woman Sentenced in Meth ConspiracyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 20, 2017, Maisie Elizabeth Barnson, 37, Bismarck, ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 10 years in prison and five (5) years supervised release. Judge Hovland further ordered that Barnson pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund. Barnson pled guilty to a three (3) count Superseding Indictment charging her with: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance, Distribution of a Controlled Substance, and Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance.
Beginning around January 2016, law enforcement officers were informed that Barnson was distributing methamphetamine throughout the Bismarck area. Search warrants were obtained for a hotel room as well as the residence where Barnson was living along with her brother and codefendant Matthew King. During the search of both locations, an estimated 1 kg of methamphetamine and $10,000 were discovered.
This case was investigated by the Bismarck Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Agency.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
North Dakota Man Sentenced to 33 Months in Prison for Government Property TheftRead the Press Release
A North Dakota resident was sentenced to prison today for his role in the theft of copper wire from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, announced Acting Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Blanco of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
Benjamin Guidry, 41, was sentenced to serve 33 months in prison following his conviction for theft of government property.
In February 2013, Guidry was working for a local Afghan company. The evidence at trial demonstrated that he solicited two civilian contractors at Kandahar Airfield to obtain various materials for him in exchange for cash. The contractors reported the defendant to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command (Army CID) at Kandahar Airfield.
With the assistance of the U.S. Air Force and others, Army CID set up a sting operation. According to the evidence presented at trial, as part of the sting operation, Guidry offered one of the contractors $4,000 in exchange for help stealing spools of copper wire worth approximately $54,000. Guidry was apprehended after leaving the Air Force compound with the copper wire.
Army CID investigated with assistance from the U.S. Air Force. Trial Attorneys Frank Rangoussis and Ann Marie Ursini of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case
Georgia Man Pleads Guilty for Role in Overdoses in ‘Operation Denial’Read the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on March 1, 2017, Ronnie Lee Helms, 32, Acworth, Georgia, pled guilty before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to an Indictment charging him with Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance Analogues Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death.
At the plea hearing, Helms admitted receiving and arranging the distribution of substances containing fentanyl and acetyl-fentanyl from a source of supply in Canada. This conduct resulted in the death of Joseph Williams in Garland, North Carolina. Two other victims were hospitalized in Fayetteville, North Carolina. Operation Denial is an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and other lethal drugs, and was significantly aided by the national and international coordination led by the multi-agency Special Operations Division (S.O.D.) near Washington D.C. as part of “Operation Deadly Merchant.” The investigation started in North Dakota on January 3, 2015, with the overdose death in Grand Forks of 18-year-old Bailey Henke.
Additional defendants charged in Federal court in this investigation include:
District of North Dakota
Daniel Vivas Ceron, 36, Columbia – Indicted on charges of Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues into the United States Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Money Laundering Conspiracy, and Continuing Criminal Enterprise. Trial pending.
Jameson Robert Sele, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and was sentenced on 7/27/15 to 36 months in federal prison.
Ryan Jon Jensen, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 2/27/15 to: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; two Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Sentenced on 2/2/2016 to 20 years in federal prison.
David Todd Noye Jr., 18, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 5/4/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sentenced on 1/25/2016 to serve 3 years and 3 months in federal prison.
Joshua Tyler Fulp, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 6/23/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
Kain Daniel Schwandt, 19, Grand Forks, ND - Pled guilty on 7/24/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sentenced on 1/25/2016 to serve 3 years and 6 months in federal prison.
Brandon Corde Hubbard, 40, Portland, OR - Indicted on charges of: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Sentenced on 07/13/2016 to serve life in federal prison.
Braden James Foley, 28, Olympia, WA - Pled guilty on 8/11/2016 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on 11/21/2016.
District of Oregon
Steven Fairbanks Locke – Charged with: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Trial pending.
Channing Lacey – Charged with: Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Trial pending.
Carissa Marie Laprall – Charged with three Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Trial pending.
The case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division, Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force, Oregon State Police, and the Grand Forks Police Department.
United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the cases in North Dakota; Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the cases in the District of Oregon and will be assisting as a Special Assistant U.S Attorney (SAUSA) in North Dakota as the investigation moves forward.
## An Indictment is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by plea or at a trial. ##
Solen North Dakota Man Sentenced for Theft of Farm Service AgencyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Feb. 23, 2017, Brandon Adam Leingang, 33, Solen, ND., was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve two (2) years of supervised release. Judge Hovland also ordered that Leingang pay restitution to be determined in 60 days, a $1000 fine, and a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund. Leingang pled guilty on Nov. 9, 2016 charging him with Conversion of Mortgaged or Pledged Property.
On Feb. 27, 2008, and May 4, 2009, Leingang signed a security agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)-Farm Service Agency (FSA) to secure funds to help maintain the family ranch. Leingang made available a list of items to use as collateral to secure the loan from FSA; to include 101 cows. On June 28, 2010, FSA completed a balance sheet which indicated there was a total of 96 cows, and on Nov. 18, 2011, another balance sheet was completed where only 70 cows were counted. Documents revealed during the investigation indicated that Leingang sold multiple heads of cattle on various occasions and failed to notify FSA.
This case was investigated by the US Department of Agriculture-Office of Inspector General (USDA OIG).
Assistant US Attorney Cameron Hayden prosecuted the case.
Colorado Resident Sentenced in Mail Fraud and Money Laundering CaseRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Feb. 23, 2017, Dean J. Kostelecky, 58, Broomfield, CO., was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L Hovland to serve one and a half years in prison and three (3) years of supervised release. Judge Hovland also ordered that Kostelecky pay restitution in the amount of $212,159.70, and pay a $200 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund. Kostelecky pled guilty on Nov. 9, 2016, to Mail Fraud and Money Laundering-Engaging in Monetary Transactions in Property Derived from Specified Unlawful Activities.
Beginning in 2008 through about 2014, Kostelecky embezzled income from a trust fund that was set up by his parents. Kostelecky was appointed that head of the family trust following the passing of his parents and was instructed to evenly divide mineral royalties to each family member. Kostelecky would alter the IRS tax form 1099 that he would receive from the oil company to identify a lower amount. Kostelecky would then conceal the misappropriated amount by transferring the undistributed funds to multiple bank accounts that he controlled.
This case was investigated by the US Postal Inspector and the Internal Revenue Service.
Assistant US Attorney Cameron Hayden prosecuted the case.
Unsealed Indictment Reveals Four More Defendants Face Federal Charges Related to DAPL ProtestsRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 8, 2017, that an Indictment unsealed by the Court today reveals that the following defendants were Indicted for Civil Disorder and Use of Fire to Commit a Federal Crime arising out of an incident on October 27, 2016:
1. Brennon J. Nastacio a/k/a "Bravo One" – age 36
2. Brandon Aaron Miller-Castillo – age 22
3. Dion Ortiz – age 20
These defendants currently remain fugitives and their whereabouts are unknown. Law enforcement is requesting the assistance of the public in locating these individuals. Attached are photographs of these fugitives. Co-defendant James White, a/k/a "Angry Bird" was arrested on February 8, 2017 and will appear in Federal Court in Bismarck on or about February 8, 2017.
Co-defendant Michael Mateo Markus, previously appeared on these charges on February 3, 2017 and a trial will be scheduled before the Honorable Daniel J. Hovland when the remaining co-defendants appear in court.
This case is being investigated by the Morton County Sheriff’s Office, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme is prosecuting the cases.
An Indictment is an accusation and notice of charges. These defendants are presumed innocent under the law.
Brennon Nastacio
Brandon Miller-Castillo
Dion Ortiz
Tuttle Man Draws 50-year Federal Prison Sentence for Child Exploitation ConvictionRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 6, 2017, Calvin Bernhardt, 54, Tuttle, ND, was sentenced before Chief United States District Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve 50 years in prison, followed by lifetime supervised release, on charges of: Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Receipt of Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Counterfeit Currency, Tampering with Witness or Evidence, and Attempted Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Acts with a Minor.
Bernhardt was found guilty of the above charges on October 28, 2016, following nearly four days of trial. Evidence introduced at trial demonstrated that, from approximately September 2015 to approximately March 2016, Bernhardt induced and enticed a 14-year-old minor from the Philippines to engage in and produce images of sexually explicit conduct via the internet. Bernhardt further induced the minor to send him the sexually explicit or sadistic and masochistic images. Once Bernhardt became aware of an investigation into his illegal conduct, he contacted the mother of the victim in the Philippines and instructed her to delete any images of himself and the minor on the minor’s cellphone and further instructed her to not talk to United States federal law enforcement officials in the Philippines. Communications between Bernhardt and the victim revealed that Bernhardt was attempting to arrange a meeting with the minor in a Philippines hotel with the intent of engaging in sexual acts with her.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations in Bismarck; Homeland Security Investigations-Manila, Philippines; and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorneys Gary Delorme and Jonathan O’Konek prosecuted the case.
New Town Man Sentenced for Domestic Assault by a Habitual OffenderRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 6, 2017, Valentino William White, Jr., 33, New Town, ND, was sentenced before US District Chief Judge Daniel L. Hovland to serve four years and nine months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, on a charge of domestic assault by a habitual offender. Judge Hovland also ordered White to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
White pleaded guilty on November 2, 2016, to assaulting a woman by striking her across the face with a cellular phone and throwing her down the stairs in May 2016. White had demonstrated a pattern of violence towards women by having three previous convictions for domestic violence offenses by May 2016. Specifically, White had a domestic violence conviction in each of the following courts: Grand Forks County District Court, Bismarck Municipal Court, and Three Affiliated Tribes Tribal Court.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department.
Assistant US Attorney Jonathan O’Konek prosecuted the case.
Former UND Police Officer Sentenced to Ten Years on Child Pornography ChargesRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 6, 2017, Paul Bradley Meagher, 43, Grand Forks, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 10 years in prison. Judge Erickson also ordered Meagher to serve 10 years’ supervised release, pay a $300 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and pay restitution of $16,000.
US Attorney Myers noted: "The protection of children is a priority for all law enforcement in North Dakota and no matter who you are, if you choose to harm a child the response will be swift and sure."
"It’s disturbing when someone seeks to harm a child – even more so when that person is in a position of public trust and abandons their sworn duty," said Special Agent in Charge Alex Khu of HSI St. Paul. "The sentencing of this former police officer proves that HSI and our law enforcement partners will actively pursue anyone engaged in harming our community’s most vulnerable members."
In the fall of 2015, law enforcement was made aware of an IP address located in Grand Forks, ND, that had made multiple requests utilizing a sophisticated network of computers to anonymize its internet protocol (IP) address while trading child pornography. Shortly thereafter law enforcement learned that the suspect was employed at the University of North Dakota Police Department. On November 3, 2015, agents from the North Dakota Internet Crimes against Children (ICAC) Task Force executed a search warrant of Meagher’s residence, where multiple items were seized, including various media devices containing more than 50,000 images and videos.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Devils Lake Man Sentenced for Child PornographyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 30, 2017, Michael Erik Lindseth, 44, Devils Lake, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 10 years and 3 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for Receipt and Possession of Child Pornography. Judge Erickson also ordered Lindseth to pay a $500 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, as well as $1,000 in restitution to a victim depicted in the child pornography possessed by Lindseth.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after it discovered that Lindseth was utilizing a sophisticated network of computers to anonymize his internet protocol (IP) address while trading child pornography at his residence in Devils Lake. Based upon this information, law enforcement executed a search warrant at his residence on December 22, 2014, during which time they recovered numerous electronic storage devices. A forensic examination of this media revealed more than 19,000 files of child pornography.
A Federal Grand Jury later charged Lindseth with various child pornography charges and he was released pending trial. On October 17, 2015, Lindseth removed his electronic home monitoring bracelet and left the state of North Dakota. Five months later, in March 2016, Lindseth was arrested in Tempe, Arizona, following a traffic stop of his vehicle.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices throughout the nation, Project Safe Childhood, in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC), help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
Minneapolis Heroin Dealer Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 25, 2017, Michael Antwain Modisett, 34, aka “MOE”, from Minneapolis, Minnesota, was sentenced before US District Judge John R. Tunheim to serve a life sentence for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Heroin. Modisett was found guilty following a five-day trial on Jan. 8, 2016.
In late 2012, Modisett began supplying individuals from Moorhead, Minnesota, and Fargo, North Dakota with large amounts of heroin. Specifically, heroin was brought from Chicago, Illinois and Minneapolis by Modisett or associates of his, to the Fargo/Moorhead area where they would meet with local distributors who in turn sold to various customers. During portions of this conspiracy, Modisett continued to run the operation while he was placed at a halfway house in the Minneapolis area on an unrelated matter. During this time, Modisett’s distributors in the Fargo/Moorhead area would contact Modisett, who, in turn, would get them in contact with his associates who would deliver large quantities of heroin to the Fargo/Moorhead area distributors. The area distributors would sell the heroin and wire money to Modisett or send cash to Minneapolis, Minnesota via his associates.
By 2014, law enforcement discovered Modisett’s distribution network and subsequently conducted dozens of interviews and executed a series of search warrants in Fargo/Moorhead locations resulting in seizures of heroin supplied by Modisett, and cash proceeds destined for Modisett from the heroin sales.
Including Modisett, a total of 8 individuals have been convicted in U.S. District Court in North Dakota for their roles in this conspiracy.
This case was investigated by the Fargo Police Department, Moorhead Police Department, Cass County Drug Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Agency Task Force.
Assistant US Attorneys Brett Shasky and Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
Colombian National Extradited to North Dakota from PanamaRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers, along with US Attorney Billy J. Williams, District of Oregon, announced on January 26, 2017, that Daniel Vivas Ceron, 36, of Colombia, was extradited to the United States after Panamanian authorities authorized the extradition of Vivas Ceron. Vivas Ceron arrived in North Dakota on January 25, 2017, and is scheduled to appear before Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal on January 26, 2017 at 3:15pm in Fargo, N.D.
Vivas Ceron was taken into custody in Panama City, Panama, on July 17, 2015, pursuant to the arrest warrant in connection with an Indictment out of the District of North Dakota charging him with: (1) Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; (2) Conspiracy to Import Controlled Substances and Controlled Substance Analogues into the United States Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; (3) Aiding and Abetting the Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; (4) Money Laundering Conspiracy, and (5) Continuing Criminal Enterprise. Since Vivas Ceron’s arrest in July of 2015, the United States Attorney’s Office, working with the Office of International Affairs of the Department of Justice, has been working diligently to extradite Vivas Ceron.
The arrest comes as part of “Operation Denial,” an Organized Crime and Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF) investigation into the international trafficking of fentanyl and other lethal drugs, and was significantly aided by the national and international coordination led by the multi-agency Special Operations Division (S.O.D.) near Washington D.C. as part of
“Operation Deadly Merchant.” The investigation started in North Dakota on January 3, 2015,
with the overdose death in Grand Forks of 18-year-old Bailey Henke.
Additional defendants charged in Federal court in this investigation include:
District of North Dakota
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Jameson Robert Sele, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances and was sentenced on 7/27/15 to 36 months’ in federal prison.
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Ryan Jon Jensen, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 2/27/15 to: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; two Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Sentenced on 2/2/2016 to 20 years in federal prison.
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David Todd Noye Jr., 18, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 5/4/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sentenced on 1/25/2016 to serve 3 years and 3 months in federal prison.
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Joshua Tyler Fulp, 20, Grand Forks, ND – Pled guilty on 6/23/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison.
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Kain Daniel Schwandt, 19, Grand Forks, ND - Pled guilty on 7/24/15 to Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances. Sentenced on 1/25/2016 to serve 3 years and 6 months in federal prison.
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Brandon Corde Hubbard, 40, Portland, OR - Indicted on charges of: Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; and Money Laundering Conspiracy. Sentenced on 07/13/2016 to serve life in federal prison.
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Ronnie Lee Helms, 30, Acworth, GA - Indicted on charges of: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and Controlled Substance Analogues Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death. Jury trial is set for 3/7/2017.
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Braden James Foley, 28, Olympia, WA - Pled guilty on 8/11/2016 to Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance and was sentenced to 30 months in in federal prison on 11/21/2016
District of Oregon
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Steven Fairbanks Locke – Charges with: Conspiracy to Distribute and Possess with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Trial pending.
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Channing Lacey – Charged with: Conspiracy to Distribute a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury; Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute. Trial pending.
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Carissa Marie Laprall – Charged with: three Counts of Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Possession of a Controlled Substance with the Intent to Distribute. Trial pending.
This case is being investigated by the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Portland Oregon Police Bureau – Drugs and Vice Division, Portland HIDTA Interdiction Task Force, Oregon State Police, and the Grand Forks Police Department.
United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the cases in North Dakota; Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Kerin is prosecuting the cases in the District of Oregon and will be assisting as a Special Assistant U.S Attorney (SAUSA) in North Dakota as the investigation moves forward.
The Indictment and Order of Extradition in this case are not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent unless or until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.
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Minneapolis Man Sentenced for Human Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on January 24, 2017, Steven Edward Meierding, 50, Minneapolis, Minn., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 10 years in prison for Sex Trafficking of a Child. Judge Erickson also sentenced Meierding to serve 15 years of supervised release and pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and must register as a sex offender.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the Fargo Police Department encountered a 17-year-old runaway during a traffic stop. Further investigation by Department of Homeland Security Investigators and a Fargo Police Department Detective revealed that Meierding transported the 17-year-old girl from Minneapolis, MN, to Fargo, ND, for the purpose of prostitution. Specifically, Meierding met the 17-year-old girl at a gas station in Minneapolis and subsequently took her to his residence where he took photos of her that were later used in Backpage.com advertisements for commercial sex. Sometime between May 2015 and June 15, 2015, Meierding then transported the underage girl to Fargo where he dropped her off at a residence where his co-defendant, Brenda Godoy, was residing. Meierding returned to Minneapolis, but before he could return to Fargo to pick up the underage girl, she was recovered by the Fargo Police Department during the above-mentioned traffic stop. Electronic evidence recovered during the investigation further revealed that Meierding and his co-defendant received a portion of the proceeds that the underage girl obtained as a result of engaging in commercial sex acts.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, Fargo Police Department, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consist of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
California Drug Trafficker Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on January 25, 2017, Francisco Torrez, 35, Carson, Cali., was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to Possession with Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance. Judge Erickson also sentenced Torrez to serve five years of supervised release, and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
On February 26, 2016, the North Dakota Highway Patrol pulled over a vehicle driven by Torrez near Mapleton, North Dakota. A search of Torrez’s vehicle by the North Dakota Highway Patrol uncovered 17.8 pounds of methamphetamine and a large sum of cash. Upon further investigation it was determined that Torrez was working as a courier transporting methamphetamine from Las Vegas to Minneapolis.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Highway Patrol Department.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl prosecuted the case.
Spirit Lake Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for 2nd Degree MurderRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on Jan. 24, 2017, Dallas Wayne Thundershield, 36, Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve the rest of his natural life in prison and serve 5 years of supervised release. Judge Erickson also ordered that Thundershield pay a special assessment of $400 to the Crime Victims’ Fund, and to pay restitution in the amount of $150,032.19 which he left open for 60 days. On October 26, 2016, a federal jury found that Thundershield guilty of 2nd Degree Murder, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury following a six-day trial.
On April 9, 2016, Thundershield and a female companion accepted a ride with Elvis Demarce and Richard Demarce on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. After driving around with the couple on numerous errands in the local area, an argument began between Thundershield and Elvis Demarce. Within a few moments of time, Thundershield had stabbed Elvis Demarce multiple times in the torso, and mortally wounded Richard Demarce with a single stab wound to the chest, piercing his heart. The female companion became alarmed and called the police four times while these events were happening to report the stabbing but hung up each time in fear of being detected by Thundershield.
Thundershield left the bodies on the side of the road and drove Elvis Demarce’s vehicle to a residence near Hamar, ND, where he had been staying. In the early morning hours of April 10, 2016, while at the same residence, Thundershield assaulted his female companion; as a result of that assault, she received substantial bodily injury. Police were called to that residence and Thundershield was arrested without further incident.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Fort Totten, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorneys Janice Morley and Matthew Greenley prosecuted the case.
New Town Man Found Guilty of Assault with a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily InjuryRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on December 14, 2016, Derick Colin Wilkinson, 26, New Town, ND, was convicted by a federal jury on charges of Assault With a Dangerous Weapon and Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury.
Evidence presented at trial showed that, during the early morning hours of April 26, 2016, Derrick Wilkinson assaulted an Indian male outside of a bar located on the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation. Wilkinson struck the victim multiple times in the face with his hands and stomped on the then-unconscious victim’s head approximately six times with his boots. Subsequent to the assault, and in order to avoid arrest, Wilkinson fled from the bar with his girlfriend and hid in the crawlspace of his friend’s house. As a result of Derick Wilkinson’s assault, the victim was rendered unconscious, required intubation to assist his breathing, and suffered nasal and orbital fractures.
Sentencing for Derick Wilkinson has been scheduled for March 20, 2017, in Bismarck, ND.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Three Affiliated Tribes Police Department.
Assistant US Attorney Jonathan O’Konek and Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
Ten Defendants Arrested in Jamaica; Anti-Lottery Scam Operation ‘Hard Copy’ Continues to Yield Results at Home and AbroadRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - United States Attorney Chris Myers announced that another man accused of participating in a transnational organized crime advance fee "lottery scam" fraud, which bilked at least 80 mostly elderly U.S. residents out of millions of dollars, has been arrested in Jamaica.
Federal fugitive Tristan Fisher was arrested on December 2, 2016, in Trelawney Parish, Jamaica. Fisher, a Jamaican national, is one of 15 defendants charged federally in an international wire/mail fraud and money laundering conspiracy investigation, dubbed "Operation Hard Copy." Ongoing international investigation has resulted in several federal indictments throughout the United States, and more than 32 charged or convicted defendants. The Operation Hard Copy investigation began in 2012 and is based in the District of North Dakota.
Fisher’s arrest follows on the heels of nine others who have been arrested in Jamaica: Dario Palmer, Jason Jahalal, O’Neil Brown, Kazrae Gray, Alrick McLeod, Dahlia Hunter, and Kimberly Hudson, all of whom were arrested on March 30, 2016; Xanu-Ann Morgan was arrested on March 31, 2016; and Lavrick Willocks was arrested on November 5, 2016. Willocks, age 27, was taken into custody after being located hiding in a garden at a hotel in Kingston, Jamaica. Arrests of Fisher and Willocks are the result of months of continuing investigation by U.S. and Jamaican authorities, including the United States Marshal’s Service working in partnership with the Jamaica Counter-Terrorism and Organised Crime Fugitive Apprehension Team.
Fisher, Willocks, and others in custody in Jamaica face numerous charges in U.S. federal court, including Conspiracy, Wire Fraud, and Money Laundering. "Fisher is one of 10 defendants who are in custody in Jamaica and are awaiting extradition proceedings following 14 extradition warrants which were issued in Jamaica on February 29, 2016," said Clare Hochhalter, the federal prosecutor who leads the prosecution team in North Dakota.
"We’re grateful for the continuing efforts of the United States Marshals Service, the High Plains Fugitive Task Force, the Jamaican Fugitive Apprehension Team, the Jamaican Operations Linked to Telemarketing Fraud Task Force, as well as all of our other U.S and Jamaican law enforcement partners," added U.S. Attorney Myers. "We look forward to bringing these 10 defendants, and others, to justice in the United States."
United States Marshal Paul Ward echoed Myers’ sentiment, "The United States Marshals Service is proud to work with the United States Attorney’s Office here in North Dakota and elsewhere. Finding federal fugitives and bringing them to justice is a big part of what we do. We’ll continue to do it, no matter how long it takes and no matter where fugitives may be found."
The process to extradite Willocks, Fisher, and the others began three years ago after the investigation identified hundreds of victims, many of them elderly or otherwise vulnerable, throughout the United States. One of Willocks’ former co-defendants, Sanjay Williams, was convicted after trial in North Dakota in 2015. Sanjay Ashani Williams, age 26, was the first Jamaican national tried and convicted in the United States for selling lead lists for use in international cyber-fraud.
Evidence presented at the trial of Williams demonstrated that victims of the scam were targeted by the use of lead lists, which are the names, telephone numbers, and personal information of potential victims. The lists are often assembled in the United States and are sold to lottery scammers. Some lead lists are created by list wholesalers who send out bogus mass mailings purporting to be sweepstakes entries. Consumers, thinking the mailings are legitimate, pay to enter the non-existent sweepstakes. The wholesalers in turn pocket the entry fee then sell the consumer contact information to scammers for as much as $5.50 per potential victim.
United States District Court Chief Judge Daniel Hovland sentenced Williams to 20 years in federal prison, without parole, on November 24, 2015. At the trial victims from South Dakota, Minnesota, Florida, Ohio, West Virginia, Utah, South Carolina, Alabama, and California testified. The United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit upheld Williams’ verdict and sentence on November 4, 2016.
The Operation Hard Copy investigation is being led by the FBI’s North Dakota office and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service in Florida, with assistance from many federal and state law enforcement agencies, as well as Jamaican law enforcement.
Williams, Willocks, Fisher, and others have been prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Clare Hochhalter, Nick Chase, and James Patrick Thomas, along with Trial Attorney Lorinda Laryea of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division.
An indictment is merely an accusation and individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty.
Former Fargo Resident Has Been Sentenced in Connection with Income Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on December 2, 2016, Gary Spencer Smith, 61, Becker County, Minn. (formerly of Fargo, ND), was sentenced before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson after pleading guilty in August 2016 to an Information charging him with Attempting to Evade and Defeat the Payment of Tax. Judge Erickson sentenced Smith to 5 years of probation with conditions, including that he serve 12 months of home confinement with work release, and ordered him to pay restitution to the United States for the tax loss in the amount of $243,488.00, with credit for any tax payments he has made since May 2012.
“Tax crimes have mistakenly been referred to as victimless, but that position could not be more wrong since we all end up paying when someone attempts to evade our tax system”, stated IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent in Charge Shea Jones. "Gary Spencer Smith’s attempt to evade tax by failing to report his income, failing to file tax returns for 13 years, and failing to pay his taxes was an outright theft from the American taxpayers.” From calendar years 1999 through 2010, Smith willfully attempted to evade and defeat the payment of a large part of his federal income tax due and owing to the United States, in the approximate total amount of $243,488.00, by failing to pay his taxes and concealing and attempting to conceal from the Internal Revenue Service his assets and their location, in violation of law. Smith’s acts of evasion of the payment of his taxes included placing funds and property in the names of nominees and beyond the reach of process to collect the tax due and owing to the United States.
This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation Division.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott J. Schneider prosecuted the case.
Colorado Woman Arrested in DAPL Protest Charged with Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a FelonRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on November 28, 2016, Redfawn Fallis, age 37, of Colorado, appeared in Federal Court in Bismarck, North Dakota. Fallis was charged by a criminal Complaint with Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition by a Previously Convicted Felon. Fallis appeared before Magistrate Charles Miller and was detained after waiving her right to a hearing on detention.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. (ATFE)
The criminal Complaint is attached. The Complaint is merely an accusation, and the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
North Dakota Man Convicted of Government Property TheftRead the Press Release
A North Dakota resident was convicted today in connection with the theft of copper wire from Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, announced Assistant Attorney General Leslie R. Caldwell of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division and U.S. Attorney Christopher Myers of the District of North Dakota.
Benjamin Guidry, 41, was convicted after a jury trial of theft of government property. Sentencing has been set for March 20, 2017.
In February 2013, Guidry was working for a local Afghan company. The evidence at trial demonstrated that he solicited two civilian contractors at Kandahar Airfield to obtain various materials for him in exchange for cash. The contractors reported the defendant to the U.S. Army Criminal Investigations Command (Army CID) at Kandahar Airfield.
With the assistance of the U.S. Air Force and others, Army CID set up a sting operation. According to the evidence presented at trial, as part of the sting operation, Guidry offered one of the contractors $4,000 in exchange for stolen spools of copper wire worth approximately $54,000. Guidry was apprehended after leaving the Air Force compound with the copper wire.
Army CID investigated the case. Trial Attorneys Frank Rangoussis and Ann Marie Ursini of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section prosecuted the case.
Minneapolis Man Pleads Guilty to Human Trafficking of a MinorRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on October 31, 2016, Steven Edward Meierding, 50, Minneapolis, Minn., pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to One Count of Sex Trafficking of a Child.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the Fargo Police Department encountered a 17-year-old runaway during a traffic stop. Further investigation by Department of Homeland Security Investigators and a Fargo Police Department Detective revealed that Meierding transported the 17-year-old girl from Minneapolis, MN, to Fargo, ND, for the purpose of prostitution. Specifically, Meierding met the 17-year-old girl at a gas station in Minneapolis and subsequently took her to his residence where he took photos of her that were later used in Backpage.com advertisements for commercial sex. Sometime between May 2015 and June 15, 2015, Meierding then transported the underage girl to Fargo where he dropped her off at a residence where his co-defendant, Brenda Godoy, was residing. Meierding returned to Minneapolis, but before he could return to Fargo to pick up the underage girl, she was recovered by the Fargo Police Department during the above-mentioned traffic stop. Electronic evidence recovered during the investigation further revealed that Meierding and his co-defendant received a portion of the proceeds that the underage girl obtained as a result of engaging in commercial sex acts.
Judge Erickson has set sentencing for January 24, 2017, at the US District Court in Fargo ND.
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations, Fargo Police Department, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consist of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
North Dakota Man Found Guilty of Several Charges Related to Child PornographyRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on October 31, 2016, Calvin Bernhardt, 54, Tuttle ND, was found guilty following nearly four days of trial on charges of Attempted Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Attempted Receipt of Materials Depicting the Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, Counterfeit Currency, Tampering with Witness or Evidence, and Attempted Travel with Intent to Engage in Sexual Acts with a Minor.
From approximately September 2015 to approximately March 2016, Bernhardt induced and enticed a 14-year-old minor from the Philippines to engage in and produce images of sexually explicit conduct via the internet; Bernhardt further induced the minor to send him the sexually explicit or sadistic and masochistic images. Once Bernhardt became aware of an investigation into his illegal conduct, he contacted the mother of the victim in the Philippines and instructed her to delete any images of himself and the minor on the minor’s cellphone and further instructed her to not talk to United States federal law enforcement officials in the Philippines. Communications between Bernhardt and the victim revealed that Bernhardt was attempting to arrange a meeting with the minor in a Philippines hotel with the intent of engaging in sexual acts with her.
Assistant United States Attorney Gary Delorme stated, "The United States and the District of North Dakota will not tolerate this kind of conduct and victimization of children over the internet regardless of where the victim is located. People engaging in this kind of conduct should expect to be vigorously prosecuted in this District."
This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Homeland Security Investigations in Bismarck; Homeland Security Investigations-Manila, Philippines; and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorneys Gary Delorme and Jon O’Konek prosecuted the case.
Bismarck Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of a Firearm and AmmunitionRead the Press Release
BISMARCK - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on October 31, 2016, Travis Gene Clark Jr. 27, Bismarck ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Daniel L Hovland to serve eight (8) years in prison. Judge Hovland also ordered the sentence to run consecutively to Clark’s five (5) year state sentence, followed by three (3) years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
On January 31, 2016, Bismarck patrol officers were looking for Clark to serve him with a warrant for violation of a protection order. Law enforcement had received a tip that Clark was seen in the area of University Drive and saw him walk out of a mobile home and ordered him to stop and get on the ground. As he was trying to enter a vehicle, law enforcement interpreted his movements as reaching for a pistol. After Clark was arrested, law enforcement identified a pistol within plain sight of the incident.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives and North Dakota BCI.
Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted the case.
Spirit Lake Man Found Guilty of 2nd Degree MurderRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on October 26, 2016, Dallas Wayne Thundershield, 36, Fort Totten, ND, was found guilty following a six-day trial on a four-count Indictment charging him with 2nd Degree Murder, Assault with Intent to Commit Murder, Assault with a Dangerous Weapon, and Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury.
On April 9, 2016, Thundershield and Priscilla Bear were walking in Fort Totten, ND, when Elvis Demarce and Richard Demarce pulled up to them in Elvis’s pickup and offered them a ride in exchange for gas money. Thundershield, who was seated behind Priscilla as she drove the group around the Spirit Lake Reservation, began poking her with a knife and hitting her. In response, Elvis instructed Priscilla to pull over. As Elvis exited the vehicle, Thundershield followed and began attacking Elvis with his knife, while at the same time Richard proceeded to get out of the vehicle to defend Elvis. Thundershield stabbed Elvis multiple times before turning to beat Richard Demarce. As Bear called the Fort Totten police, Thundershield left Elvis Demarce in the ditch alongside BIA-6 with life-threatening injuries. Thundershield directed Bear to get into the pickup and they drove away; within minutes Thundershield turned the vehicle around to go back and kill Richard. Upon Thundershield reaching Richard, Thundershield jumped out of the pickup, ran to Richard Demarce, and inflicted a stab wound to Richard Demarce’s chest which directly pierced his heart, killing him.
Thundershield left the bodies on the side of the road and drove Elvis Demarce’s vehicle to a residence near Hamar, ND, where he had been staying. In the early morning hours of April 10, 2016, while at the same residence, Thundershield assaulted Priscilla Bear; as a result of that assault, Priscilla received substantial bodily injury. Police were called to that residence and Thundershield was arrested without further incident.
US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson has scheduled sentencing to take place on January 24, 2017, at 1:30 PM, at the US District Court located in Fargo, ND.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Indian Affairs-Fort Totten, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorneys Janice Morley and Matthew Greenley prosecuted the case.
Press Release by United States Attorney Relating to November 2016 ElectionsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced today that Assistant United States Attorney (AUSA) Rick L. Volk will once again be leading the efforts of the Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 8, 2016, general elections. AUSA Volk has served as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the District of North Dakota for several years, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of complaints regarding election fraud and voting rights abuses in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.
USA Myers stated, "Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted without it being stolen because of fraud. The Department of Justice will act promptly and aggressively to protect the integrity of the election process."
The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring election fraud and discrimination at the polls and combating these violations whenever and wherever they occur. The Department’s long-standing Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the integrity of the election process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible election fraud and voting rights violations while the polls are open on election day.
Federal law protects against such crimes as: intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters and provides that they can vote free from acts that intimidate or harass them. For example, actions of persons designed to interrupt or intimidate voters at polling places by questioning or challenging them or by photographing or videotaping them under the pretext that these are actions to uncover illegal voting may violate federal voting rights law. Further, federal law protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice.
The franchise is the cornerstone of American democracy. We all must ensure that those who are entitled to the franchise exercise it if they choose and that those who seek to corrupt it are brought to justice. In order to respond to complaints of election fraud or voting rights abuses on November 8, 2016, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, USA Myers stated that AUSA/DEO Volk will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: (701) 530-2420.
In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at (763) 569-8000.
Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section in Washington, DC, by phone at 1-800-253-3931 or (202) 307-2767, by fax at (202) 307-3961, by email to [email protected] or by complaint form at http://www.justice.gov/crt/complaint/votintake/index.php.
USA Myers further stated, "Ensuring free and fair elections depends in large part on the cooperation of the American electorate. It is imperative that those who have specific information about discrimination or election fraud make that information available immediately to our Office, the FBI, or the Civil Rights Division."
Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking of a Minor and Possession and Distribution of HeroinRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 9, 2016, Tyrice Excell Akins, 29, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced before U. S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve five years and six months in prison followed by five years of supervised release for two counts of sex trafficking of a child and one count of conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. In addition, Akins was sentenced to eighteen months consecutively for one count of possession and distribution of heroin out of Wisconsin. Judge Erickson also ordered Akins to pay a $400 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
The case came to the attention of law enforcement after the North Dakota Highway Patrol pulled over a rental vehicle driven by Kurtis Johnson. Found with Johnson was a woman and a 17-year-old female who Johnson transported from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Bismarck, North Dakota, for the purpose of prostitution. A subsequent investigation revealed that Johnson was provided narcotics by Akins in exchange for transporting women and one juvenile to various locations throughout the United States, including Florida, Louisiana, and North Dakota, throughout 2014 and 2015 for the purpose of prostitution.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.
Assistant U. S. Attorney Jennifer Puhl is prosecuting the case.
This case was prosecuted with the assistance of the North Dakota Human Trafficking Task Force (NDHTTF), which includes regional response teams that consists of federal, state, and local law enforcement and victim service providers working together to identify and rescue human trafficking victims as well as investigate and prosecute human trafficking cases. Led by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, BCI, and the North Dakota Counsel on Abused Women Services (CAWS), the NDHTTF is dedicated to addressing the individualized needs of human trafficking victims and the apprehension, investigation, and prosecution of the perpetrators of human trafficking.
The NDHTTF includes representatives from Youthworks, the Children’s Advocacy Center, the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Lutheran Social Services, the ND Association of Counties, a Force to End hUman Sexual Exploitation (FUSE), a survivor of human trafficking, First Nations Women’s Alliance (FNWA), and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).
Fifth and Final Defendant in the Taco John’s Robbery and Shooting Sentenced to Federal PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 12, 2016, Tommy Trent, 29, Fargo, North Dakota, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve two (2) years in prison followed by three (3) years of supervised release for Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery. Judge Erickson also ordered Trent to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
On or about September 3, 2015, Trent and other co-conspirators were involved in robbing the Taco John’s restaurant located at 2601 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, as the restaurant was beginning to close. During the robbery co-conspirator Smith fired two shots, with one of the shots hitting an employee in the leg, causing injury that required medical treatment. Trent acted as a getaway driver and a lookout.
The other four men involved in the Taco John’s robbery have already been sentenced:
• Rico Jamal Brown, 27, three (3) years and six (6) months in prison
• Calvin Michael Frederick Brown, 25, five (5) years in prison
• Kadeem Malik Muhammed, 25, seven (7) years in federal prison
• Carl Eugene Smith, 24, twelve (12) years in federal prison
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATFE), as well as the Fargo Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers prosecuted the case.
Fargo Man Sentenced in Connection with Shooting during Taco John’s RobberyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 8, 2016, Carl Eugene Smith, 24, Fargo, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 12 years in federal prison for two-count Indictment charging him with Interference with Commerce by Threats or Violence- Hobbs Act Robbery, as well as Use of a Firearm in Furtherance of a Crime of Violence. Judge Erickson also ordered that Smith serve 3 years supervised release and to pay a $200 special assessment to the crime victims fund
On or about September 3, 2015, Smith and other co-conspirators were involved in robbing the Taco John’s restaurant located at 2601 32nd Ave. S., Fargo, as the restaurant was beginning to close. During the robbery Smith fired two shots, with one of the shots hitting an employee in the leg, causing injury that required medical treatment.
This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) as well as the Fargo Police Department.
U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers is prosecuting the case.
Spirit Lake Man Sentenced for Second Degree MurderRead the Press Release
FARGO, ND – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 7, 2016, Lance Alan Robertson, 28, Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to 14 years’ imprisonment for intentionally inflicting death on eighteen-year-old Larse Weylin Azure, Jr.
On the evening of December 19, 2015, Robertson, an enrolled member of the Spirit Lake Nation — a federally recognized Indian tribe — was consuming alcohol with family and friends while driving his vehicle on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. When Robertson began to drive erratically, his passengers protested, asking Robertson to let someone else drive. Robertson parked the vehicle straddling the center line of the highway, turned off the ignition, and placed the keys to the vehicle in his pants. The occupants pleaded with Robertson to give the keys over and to start the vehicle, but Robertson refused. A struggle ensued between Robertson and his brother for control of the car keys, at which point Robertson told the passengers to get out of his vehicle. As the passengers were walking along the side of the road, Robertson started his vehicle, revved the engine, backed up, crossed over the center line, and drove at three of the individuals, striking Larse Weylin Azure, Jr. Azure died as a result of the injuries sustained from the vehicle.
Robertson was ordered to pay $14,560.94 in restitution, and $100 in special assessments. Upon his release from imprisonment, Robertson will be on supervised release for three years. This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs and prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Janice M. Morley.
United Kingdom Man Sentenced for His Role in Child ExploitationRead the Press Release
FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on September 6, 2016, Simon William Riley, 21, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom, was sentenced before Judge Ralph R. Erickson to 12 years in prison on one Count of Sexual Exploitation of a Minor, two Counts of Advertising Material Involving the Sexual Exploitation of Minors, and one Count of Receipt of Child Pornography. Judge Erickson also sentenced Riley to serve 10 years of supervised release and ordered Riley to pay $400 to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
This case came to the attention of law enforcement after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) notified members of the North Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force that a website on the Tor Network contained child pornographic images of a girl located in Fargo, North Dakota. Subsequently, ICAC Task Force members identified the 13-year-old victim who told law enforcement that she sent the sexually explicit images to another female via Kik Messenger. In reality, this "female" was Simon Riley, an adult male. After Riley obtained these images, he posted advertisements on the website found on the Tor Network. The advertisement contained a link to a file-sharing site where other Tor users could access the images depicting the victim. Law enforcement determined that the victim’s images were accessed on more than 20,000 occasions by Tor users located throughout the world.
Through further investigation, the ND Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigation agents identified Simon Riley in the United Kingdom as the individual responsible for posting the above-mentioned advertisements. Based upon information provided to them by the ND ICAC Task Force, the National Crime Agency in the United Kingdom executed a search warrant at Riley’s residence on September 10, 2015. Foreign law enforcement recovered evidence, including electronic media, at Riley’s residence which linked him to the user account that posted the advertisements on the Tor Network and which contained a link to a separate file-sharing site which contained the victim’s images. The forensic examination of the media recovered from his residence in the United Kingdom revealed hundreds of child victims, including a second 13-year-old victim from Fargo, North Dakota.
This case was investigated by the North Dakota Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations in Grand Forks, ND, as well as the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Fargo Police Department.
This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from online exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, Project Safe Childhood in conjunction with Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) help federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies enhance their investigative responses to offenders who use the Internet, online communications systems, or computer technology to sexually exploit children. The ICAC Program is a national network of 61 coordinated task forces engaging in proactive investigations, forensic investigations, and criminal prosecutions. Project Safe Childhood also helps to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov
Man Who Set Fire to Somali Restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
FARGO – Matthew Gust, 26, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for setting fire to a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
Gust admitted in his guilty plea that he set the Dec. 8, 2015, fire in order to intimidate and interfere with the Somali employees and patrons of the Juba Café. Early that morning, he drove to a gas station and purchased a small amount of gasoline, which he used to fill a 40-ounce beer bottle, turning it into a Molotov cocktail. Gust then drove to the café, donned a face mask, punched a hole through the front window of the café, lit the Molotov cocktail, threw it through the window and fled. The Molotov cocktail exploded on impact, creating an explosion and fire that engulfed Juba Café and caused more than $250,000 in damages.
Gust pleaded guilty on May 19 to an arson charge and a hate-crime charge. He was charged with those two counts by information on March 20. He had earlier been indicted by a grand jury for using a destructive device in the commission of a crime; that charge was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
“This sentence sends a clear message to those who attempt to divide our community by sowing violence and fear,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute perpetrators of hate violence.”
“This case exemplifies the strong partnership between local, state and federal authorities working together to ensure the rights of all members of our community are protected from criminal conduct motivated by hate,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “The sentence handed down by the court today sends a strong message to all members of our community that such conduct will not be tolerated and that our collective response will be swift and certain.”
“The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to investigating and apprehending those who commit crimes of violence aimed at others because of nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “The FBI will continue working with its law enforcement partners to enforce these types of violations wherever they occur.”
“There is no place for hate in our communities, and these targeted acts of violence won’t be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge Jim Modzelewski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul, Minnesota, Field Division. “ATF will continue to diligently investigate these crimes to ensure that all of our residents feel safe and welcomed.”
This case was investigated by Grand Forks Police Department, the FBI and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Healy of the District of North Dakota and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Man Who Set Fire to Somali Restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, Sentenced to 15 Years in PrisonRead the Press Release
Matthew Gust, 26, was sentenced today to 15 years in prison for setting fire to a Somali restaurant in Grand Forks, North Dakota, announced Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Vanita Gupta, head of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, and U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers of the District of North Dakota.
Gust admitted in his guilty plea that he set the Dec. 8, 2015, fire in order to intimidate and interfere with the Somali employees and patrons of the Juba Café. Early that morning, he drove to a gas station and purchased a small amount of gasoline, which he used to fill a 40-ounce beer bottle, turning it into a Molotov cocktail. Gust then drove to the café, donned a face mask, punched a hole through the front window of the café, lit the Molotov cocktail, threw it through the window and fled. The Molotov cocktail exploded on impact, creating an explosion and fire that engulfed Juba Café and caused more than $250,000 in damages.
Gust pleaded guilty on May 19 to an arson charge and a hate-crime charge. He was charged with those two counts by information on March 20. He had earlier been indicted by a grand jury for using a destructive device in the commission of a crime; that charge was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.
“This sentence sends a clear message to those who attempt to divide our community by sowing violence and fear,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Gupta. “The Department of Justice will continue to vigorously prosecute perpetrators of hate violence.”
“This case exemplifies the strong partnership between local, state and federal authorities working together to ensure the rights of all members of our community are protected from criminal conduct motivated by hate,” said U.S. Attorney Myers. “The sentence handed down by the court today sends a strong message to all members of our community that such conduct will not be tolerated and that our collective response will be swift and certain.”
“The FBI remains steadfast in its commitment to investigating and apprehending those who commit crimes of violence aimed at others because of nationality, ethnicity or religious beliefs,” said Special Agent in Charge Richard T. Thornton of the FBI’s Minneapolis Division. “The FBI will continue working with its law enforcement partners to enforce these types of violations wherever they occur.”
“There is no place for hate in our communities, and these targeted acts of violence won’t be tolerated,” said Special Agent in Charge James Modzelewski of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) St. Paul, Minnesota, Field Division. “ATF will continue to diligently investigate these crimes to ensure that all of our residents feel safe and welcomed.”
This case was investigated by Grand Forks Police Department, the FBI and the ATF. The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan A. Healy of the District of North Dakota and Trial Attorney Dana Mulhauser of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section.
Five Individuals Have Been Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug Charges in Spirit Lake ConspiracyRead the Press Release
FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 8, 2016, Winterhawk Leonard Oldrock, 37, Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 7 years in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance. Judge Erickson also sentenced Oldrock to serve 3 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.
Oldrock and four other defendants have been convicted for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Devils Lake ND, as well as within the Spirit Lake Reservation. The following individuals have previously been sentenced for their involvement in this conspiracy:
• Nestor Lopez Jr., 26, Devils Lake, 10 ½ years
• Theresa Rose Lopez, 29, Devils Lake, 4 years
• Janet Joyce Oldrock, 34, Fort Totten, 7 years
• Fernando Lopez, 19, Devils Lake, 3 years
U.S. Attorney Myers stated "this case is a great example of state, local, and federal agencies working together to address a problem that continues to carry a devastating impact on the families and communities in this state, including those of the Spirit Lake Nation. Hopefully this sends a message that serious consequences await those who chose to foster this devastation."
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Fort Totten, the Lake Region Narcotics Task Force, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.
Assistant US Attorney Brett Shasky prosecuted the case.
Arms Wide Open Community ForumRead the Press Release
FARGO - United States attorney Christopher C. Myers invites the community to attend the Arms Wide Open community forum that will be held on Wednesday, September 7th, from 6:30 – 8:00 pm, at the Fargo South High School. Arms Wide Open is the third in a series of community forums addressing the opiate/heroin crisis in the FM Region. Keynote speaker will be Chuck Rosenberg, who is the Drug Enforcement Agency Administrator. Additional speakers include Drew Wrigley, Lieutenant Governor of North Dakota; Birch Burdick, Cass County State’s Attorney; as well as representatives from local colleges and school districts. Resource booths will be available for attendees to visit following the forum.