Five men have been sentenced to a total of 518 months in federal prison for their roles in a Wadena County, Minn., drug trafficking conspiracy that stemmed from an investigation into an overdose death, announced U.S. Attorney Daniel Rosen this week.
The following individuals were sentenced:
- Robert Joseph Anderson, 40, of Wadena: 132 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
- Aaron Thomas Heifort, 30, of Clitherall: 122 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
- Bill J. Rude, 63, of Wadena: 120 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
- Carlos Deyvi Valdovinos‑Trejo, 39: 84 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
- Jesus Alarcon Valdovinos, 44: 60 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
Aaron Heifort, the final of these five defendants, was sentenced on July 9 by U.S. District Judge John Tunheim in Minneapolis.
The U. S. Attorney’s press release detailed the following events in the case:
Beginning in or about December 2023, and continuing through in or about February 2024, Valdovinos‑Trejo, Valdovinos, Anderson, Heifort, and Rude knowingly and intentionally conspired with one another and others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in Minnesota.
On Nov. 10, 2023, law enforcement responded to a death at a residence in Wadena County that was caused by a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. Investigators identified Rude as one of the decedent’s methamphetamine suppliers. Through further investigation, law enforcement successfully uncovered the broader distribution network. Anderson, a prominent regional distributor in the Wadena area, procured bulk quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Valdovinos-Trejo and Valdovinos, which he in turn sold to downstream distributors in Greater Minnesota, including Heifort and Rude.
Between December 2023 and January 2024, law enforcement seized more than 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and 29 grams of cocaine from the Wadena-based members of the conspiracy, including Rude, Heifort, and Anderson. In January 2024, law enforcement conducted two separate controlled buys from Valdovinos-Trejo, resulting in the seizure of an additional 1.35 kilograms of methamphetamine.
On Feb. 6, 2024, law enforcement conducted a third controlled buy for 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. That same day, law enforcement searched two residences associated with the trafficking conspiracy and seized an additional 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, and 1.3 kilograms of cocaine.
“Methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to destroy countless lives and communities throughout Greater Minnesota. The sentencing of these five individuals demonstrates the strong partnership across federal and local law enforcement to hold accountable those who distribute dangerous drugs into our communities,” said Rosen.
“What started out as a local drug related overdose death resulted in the federal indictments and convictions of several people,” added Otter Tail County Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons.
“The investigation by deputies of the West Central Minnesota Violent Crime and Drug Task Force discovered a large-scale drug trafficking ring. This case outlines the importance of multi-jurisdictional task forces and relationships with state and federal partners and its impact on public safety.”
This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wadena County Sheriff’s Office, Otter Tail County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Drug Task Force, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota State Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other federal and local law enforcement partners.
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Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
Crime Watch MN
Minnesota Crime Watch & Information publishes news, info and commentary about crime, public safety and livability issues in Minneapolis, the Twin Cities and Greater Minnesota.
