9 arrested in alleged drug trafficking ring in Oakes

OAKES, N.D. (KVRR) — Nine people are in custody this afternoon after prosecutors announce they’ve been indicted as part of a multi-state meth trafficking ring with ties to the Almighty Latin Kings street gang.

Acting U.S. Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl says the investigation started May 15th.

The defendants, 46-year-old Ricardo Jaquez, 45-year-old Israel David Flores, 38-year-old Michelle Lee Fuller, 36-year-old Jose Manuel Jaquez, 37-year-old Jacob Edward Lambert, 40-year-old Ashley Marie Bleecker, 47-year-old Alfredo Hernandez Jaquez, 37-year-old Wesley Wayne Tolleson, and 44-year-old Jason Leonard Gulden are all facing charges as part of the alleged methamphetamine trafficking conspiracy.

If convicted they face up to life in prison.

Puhl says the investigation is part of “Operation Crown Down,” which targets international drug and money laundering crimes.

The FBI and SEA worked on the case, as well as agencies in North Dakota, Minnesota and South Dakota.

Check back for more on this developing story.