Saul Rodriguez Pineda, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Minnesota 2022

ST. PAUL, Minn. – A federal jury found a Shakopee man guilty of possession and distribution of methamphetamine, announced U.S. Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

Following a three-day trial before Judge Donovan W. Frank, Saul Rodriguez Pineda, 40, was convicted today on three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled at a later date.

According to the evidence presented at trial, law enforcement executed a series of controlled buys of methamphetamine from Rodriguez Pineda on three separate occasions between September and October 2022. On October 12, 2022, law enforcement searched the residence where Rodriguez Pineda was staying in Shakopee, Minnesota, and found 31 pounds of methamphetamine in Rodriguez Pineda’s yard as well as a liquid methamphetamine conversion lab.

Law enforcement also found numerous items related to drug trafficking inside the residence. This significant bust highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to dismantle the methamphetamine trade in our state.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota River Valley Drug Task Force, and the Shakopee Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Allen A. Slaughter and Raphael B. Coburn tried the case, working tirelessly to ensure Rodriguez Pineda would face justice for his crimes.

The charges against Saul Rodriguez Pineda include three counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. The investigation revealed that Rodriguez Pineda was involved in a significant methamphetamine trafficking operation, highlighting the need for continued cooperation between law enforcement agencies to combat this growing threat.

The defendant, Saul Rodriguez Pineda, will face sentencing at a later date. A specific sentence has not been announced, but the charges carry significant penalties for those convicted.