Grand Forks (trfnews.i234.me) — A Grand Forks man was ordered Monday, April 6, 2026, to serve 20 years in prison for multiple drug crimes. The case involved cocaine, methamphetamine, marijuana, THC products, and psilocybin mushrooms.
Jesus Guadalupe Perez, 43, spoke during his sentencing hearing. He apologized to his family, the community, and others in the courtroom. Perez said he takes full responsibility for the crimes.
Sentence Covers Three Criminal Cases
The sentence covers charges filed in three separate criminal cases. Two cases were filed in July. A third case was filed in September.
In December, Perez pleaded guilty to eight offenses. Those counts included two Class A felonies. They were possession of at least 50 grams of cocaine with intent to deliver and possession of at least 50 grams of methamphetamine with intent to deliver.
He also pleaded guilty to Class B felony cocaine possession with intent, two counts of Class B felony cocaine delivery, Class B felony methamphetamine delivery, Class B felony delivery of a Schedule I hallucinogenic substance, and Class C felony marijuana possession with intent.
Four Class C felony charges were dismissed. Those counts were child endangerment, THC possession with intent, marijuana delivery, and fentanyl possession.
Searches Found Large Drug Quantities
According to court documents, the first case began after a traffic stop on July 24. A search warrant was then carried out on Perez and his wife, Erika Flores Perez, in Grand Forks.
Authorities reported finding 263.9 grams of cocaine, nearly $4,000, marijuana, edibles, and drug paraphernalia. A young child was in the vehicle at the time.
That same day, more search warrants were carried out at the Perez home and a suspected stash house. Investigators reported finding about 4.09 pounds of marijuana, 555.03 grams of THC edibles, 131 grams of methamphetamine, THC vape cartridges, THC vape pens, 13.9 grams of cocaine, 7.3 grams of fentanyl, a scale with drug residue, and $3,437.
Controlled Buys Led to More Charges
The third case came from four controlled buys with a confidential informant. Court records say the buys involved marijuana, methamphetamine, cocaine, and psilocybin mushrooms.
Defense attorney Ward Johnson told the court that Perez knows he made poor decisions. He said those choices also affected his wife and child.
Prosecutor Megan Essig pointed to Perez’s criminal history and the size of the current cases. Because of that record, Perez was treated as a habitual offender. That allowed a harsher sentence.
What Happens Next
The plea agreement called for a 40-year sentence. Half of that time was suspended. That leaves 20 years to serve in prison.
Perez received credit for 256 days already served. After prison, he must complete three years of supervised probation. If he completes probation, he will not have to serve the suspended 20 years.
Readers can find court location information through the Grand Forks County court page and search public records through the North Dakota Court System case search.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.