A major methamphetamine ring in the Fargo-Moorhead area has been dealt a significant blow as its leader, Juan Cerna, 26, of Moorhead, was sentenced to 18.5 years in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess and distribute the controlled substance.
Cerna’s organization was involved in the transportation of kilogram quantities of methamphetamine from Texas, which were then distributed in the local area. Co-conspirators also obtained large quantities of marijuana from the Minneapolis area and distributed it throughout the region.
U.S. District Judge Ralph R. Erickson handed down the sentence on February 12, 2014, following a thorough investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigations, the Fargo and Moorhead Police Departments, and the Cass County Drug Task Force.
Two other members of Cerna’s organization, Steven Schmidt, 35, of Fargo, and Brandon Elsenpeter, 26, of Fargo, were also sentenced for their involvement in the conspiracy. Schmidt received a five-year sentence, while Elsenpeter was given three years’ probation.
Cerna’s brother, David Cerna Jr., pleaded guilty during the trial and will be sentenced on April 14 at 10:00 a.m. in U.S. District Court. As part of their sentences, all three men were ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims Fund.
The prosecution was led by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Myers and Assistant U.S. Attorney Brett Shasky. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing efforts to combat methamphetamine trafficking and distribution in the region.
The sentencing of Cerna and his co-conspirators is a significant victory for law enforcement and a testament to the dedication of the agencies involved in the investigation. It also sends a strong message to those involved in similar activities that they will face severe consequences for their actions.
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Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Organized Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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