Related Federal Cases
- North Dakota Man Sentenced for 9 Pounds of Meth, 14 Years Prison Time · South Dakota
- North Dakota’s Dark Side: 1959 Crime Wave · Minnesota
- North Dakota Man Charged With Robbery And Assault · South Dakota
- North Dakota Man Sentenced For Abusive Sexual Contact · South Dakota
- North Dakota Man Sentenced for Abusive Sexual Contact · South Dakota
North Dakota Man Pleads Guilty To Cocaine Distribution
A North Dakota man has pleaded guilty to distributing a controlled substance. Ricardo Avila, age 53, appeared before U.S. District Judge Roberto A. Lange on August 19, 2013, and pled guilty to Count I of the Indictment that charged him with Distribution of a Controlled Substance.
Avila’s actions came to light after an undercover officer connected with the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force was introduced to him and arranged a purchase of cocaine from him. On April 12, 2012, Avila delivered to the undercover officer a substance that testing confirmed was 28.3 grams of powder cocaine, a Schedule II controlled substance.
The investigation was conducted by the Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn N. Rich is prosecuting the case.
Avila’s guilty plea carries a maximum penalty of 20 years of imprisonment, a $1,000,000 fine, or both; at least 3 years of supervised release and an additional 2 years of supervised release upon revocation; and a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund. Restitution may also be ordered.
Avila was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing, which has been set for November 18, 2013.
The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement agencies to combat the distribution of controlled substances in the region. The Northern Plains Safe Trails Drug Enforcement Task Force continues to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those involved in the illicit trade.
As the case moves forward, the community can expect to see continued action from law enforcement agencies to address this critical issue.
RELATED: Meth Run Ends in Guilty Plea for Sioux City Man
RELATED: Fort Thompson Man Sentenced for 10 Years to Prison for Methamphetamine Conspiracy
Key Facts
- State: South Dakota
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Drug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug TraffickingDrug Trafficking