Angus Man Found Guilty in Drug Conspiracy and Murder
FARGO – In a shocking turn of events, Modesto Torrez, a 35-year-old man from Angus, Minnesota, has been found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute and distribute a controlled substance, murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy, aiding and abetting in death caused by use of a firearm during a crime of violence or drug trafficking offense, and obstruction of justice. The conviction comes after a five-day trial that ended on October 5, 2017.
Torrez was found guilty of being the leader of a conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in the Grand Forks area, as well as for ordering the murder of Austin Forsman at the Flying J Truck Stop in Grand Forks, North Dakota, in the early morning hours of March 11, 2016. Torrez was also found guilty of obstructing justice.
Krystal Lynn Feist, who was previously charged alongside Torrez for the murder and drug trafficking conspiracy, had previously pled guilty for her role in the crime.
Torrez’s conviction was the result of a large-scale investigation by the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations. The investigation led to the indictment of thirteen conspirators in connection with a methamphetamine ring in the Grand Forks area.
Torrez is set to be sentenced on Friday, December 1, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. in Fargo, North Dakota. He is also ordered to forfeit $12,620, which was seized during the investigation.
The conviction is a significant blow to the methamphetamine trafficking ring in the Grand Forks area, and serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in such criminal activity. The people of Grand Forks can rest a little easier knowing that justice has been served.
Modesto Torrez, 35, of Angus, Minnesota, is charged with:
- Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance
- Murder in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy
- Aiding and Abetting in Death Caused by Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense
- Obstruction of Justice
Torrez was investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations.
The case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Rodenbiker, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Ensrud.
Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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