Five men have been sentenced to a combined 518 months in federal prison for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Wadena County, U.S. Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced Wednesday. The case began after a fatal methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose at a Wadena County residence in November 2023. Investigators identified one of the defendants as a drug supplier to the victim, which led to the uncovering of a broader distribution network. 40 year old Robert Anderson ,of Wadena, was sentenced to 132 months, the longest of the five, for his role as a regional distributor who purchased bulk quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from two suppliers and sold to dealers across Greater Minnesota.
The remaining defendants and their sentences are:
30 year old Aaron Heifort, of Clitherall: 122 months
63 year old Bill Rude, of Wadena: 120 months
39 year old Carlos Deyvi Valdovinos-Trejo, 84 months
44 year old Jesus Valdovinos, 60 months
All five were convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. Between December 2023 and February 2024, law enforcement seized more than 9 kilograms of methamphetamine, over a kilogram each of heroin and cocaine, and conducted multiple controlled drug buys tied to the conspiracy. The investigation involved 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, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garrett S. Fields prosecuted the case.