Faith Rose Gratz, Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy, Minnesota 2022

Former Corrections Officer Admits to Methamphetamine Distribution Conspiracy Inside Minnesota Prison

A former corrections officer has pleaded guilty to her role in a methamphetamine distribution organization within the Minnesota Correctional Facility (MCF)-Stillwater, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, Faith Rose Gratz, 24, a former MCF – Stillwater corrections officer, and co-defendant Axel Rene Kramer, 34, an inmate who is currently serving a 288-month sentence for second degree murder, conspired with each other to distribute methamphetamine within MCF – Stillwater, Minnesota’s largest high security prison facility.

Gratz used her position as a prison guard to smuggle the drugs into the secure facility and then provide the drugs to Kramer while she was on duty guarding him. Gratz did this on approximately six different occasions. Gratz also smuggled into the prison multiple cell phones that she provided to Kramer.

On April 8, 2022, after recovering Kramer’s cell phone, law enforcement officers confronted Gratz about the drug distribution operation. Officers searched Gratz’s car and recovered a half pound of methamphetamine.

Gratz pleaded guilty today before U.S. District Judge Eric C. Tostrud to one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later time.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI, the Bayport Police Department, and the Minnesota Department of Corrections.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Harry M. Jacobs is prosecuting the case.

Gratz’s plea marks a significant blow to the illicit drug trade within the Minnesota prison system, where the distribution of methamphetamine poses a significant threat to public safety.

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