Beltrami County (trfnews.i234.me) – In a significant federal case, Patrick Burton Strong, 29, of Bemidji, Minnesota, has been sentenced to six years in prison followed by three years of supervised release after pleading guilty to conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and illegal possession of a machine gun. Acting U.S. Attorney Lisa D. Kirkpatrick announced the sentencing, emphasizing Strong’s intent to distribute the deadly opioid into Native communities in the Bemidji area, which experience some of the highest overdose rates in Minnesota.
🕵️♂️ The Operation:
-
March 31, 2024: Strong, along with co-defendants Danielle Diane Goodman, 27, and Leticia Jean Sumner, 24, traveled from Bemidji to Minneapolis, where Strong purchased $10,000 worth of fentanyl.
-
April 1, 2024: While returning to Bemidji, their vehicle was stopped by a Minnesota State Patrol trooper for traffic violations. A search revealed approximately 100 grams of fentanyl powder, a ghost gun equipped with a conversion device enabling fully automatic fire, and a large-capacity magazine with over 30 rounds of ammunition in Strong’s backpack.
-
Subsequent Search: A warrant-led search of Strong and Sumner’s Bemidji apartment uncovered a 12-gauge shotgun and 23 grams of methamphetamine. While in custody at Morrison County Jail, Strong and Sumner were found with an additional 30 grams of fentanyl.
⚖️ Legal Proceedings:
-
Guilty Plea: On November 7, 2024, Strong pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and one count of illegal possession of a machine gun.
-
Sentencing: U.S. District Court Judge Katherine M. Menendez sentenced Strong to 72 months in prison.
-
Co-defendants: Goodman and Sumner each pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. Their sentencing hearings are pending.
📊 Impact on Native Communities:
Acting U.S. Attorney Kirkpatrick highlighted the severe impact of fentanyl on Native communities, stating, “He trafficked in fentanyl—the deadliest illegal drug commonly sold today. And he intended to sell that deadly fentanyl into Native communities in the Bemidji area, communities that experience the highest overdose rates in Minnesota.”
Data from the Minnesota Department of Health indicates that American Indian populations face disproportionately high rates of drug overdose deaths compared to other demographics in the state.
🧠 Did You Know?
-
Ghost Guns: The term refers to privately manufactured firearms lacking serial numbers, making them untraceable.
-
Fentanyl Potency: Fentanyl is up to 50 times more potent than heroin, contributing significantly to overdose deaths nationwide.
-
Targeted Trafficking: Drug traffickers often target Native communities due to perceived vulnerabilities, including limited law enforcement resources.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News.