Derek Jon Paddy, Fentanyl Trafficking, Minnesota 2023

ST. PAUL, Minn. - A pair of Bemidji residents have been charged in a fentanyl trafficking conspiracy that targeted the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger announced the indictment of Derek Jon Paddy, 28, and Robyn Lea Lussier, 20, for their roles in a conspiracy to distribute fentanyl throughout the state of Minnesota.

According to court documents, between October 2023 and November 2023, Paddy and Lussier conspired to distribute fentanyl in and around the Red Lake Indian Reservation.

On November 2, 2023, Paddy and Lussier were found in possession of over 40 grams of fentanyl.

Paddy and Lussier made their initial appearances in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge John F. Docherty on August 2, 2024.

The two are charged with one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of possession with intent to distribute fentanyl.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI and the Red Lake Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lauren O. Roso is prosecuting the case.

An indictment is merely an allegation, and the defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mn/pr/two-charged-red-lake-fentanyl-trafficking-conspiracy