Crime

Fargo Police investigates increase in fentanyl overdoses

"Our overdoses have tripled from 2019 to 2020."

FARGO, N.D. — The Fargo Police Department is hoping to crack down on the increase in fentanyl overdose cases throughout the metro. After a rise in overdose cases containing fentanyl, the Fargo Police Department says they are investigating narcotic distributions within the area. “These traffickers and dealers make the best out of what they have to provide illegal narcotics to…

Six charged after violent assault at Mayville State University

Norberto Zapata, Jr.MAYVILLE, N.D. (KVRR/KFGO) – Four men and a juvenile have been charged with a violent assault on the Mayville State University campus. The search continues for another suspect, 37-year-old Norberto Zapata, Jr., who has been charged with attempted murder.  The others face assault-conspiracy charges. Traill County Sheriff Steve Hunt says none of the suspects attend Mayville State and…

Fargo woman arrested for death of 15 month-old girl

Brandi AdelekeFARGO (KVRR) – Police say a 37-year-old Fargo woman has been arrested for the death of a 15-month-old girl in November. Brandi Adeleke is in custody for the murder of Meka Ducheneaux. Fargo Police responded to a residence Nov. 20 in the 2300-block of 17 Street South for an unconscious and unresponsive 15 month old girl.  The child was…

Local defense attorney explains changes to Derek Chauvin’s trial

WEST FARGO, N.D. — A local defense attorney says the fact that former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin will be tried alone could benefit either him or his co-defendants, depending on the arguments brought forth in court. Chauvin’s co-defendants are former officers J. Alexander Kueng, Thomas Lane, and Tou Thao. Leah Carlson of Ohnstad Twichell Law Office in West Fargo…

Man sentenced to 14 years for possessing child porn, impersonating officer

BISMARCK, N.D. (KVRR) – A Carson, N.D. man has been sentenced to 14 years in prison for possessing child pornography and impersonating a federal officer. U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley says 41-year-old Robert James Zeller was also ordered to serve 5 years of supervised release. Wrigley says in 2018, while Zeller was on supervised release for committing a prior sex offense,…

Webinar brings awareness to human trafficking in North Dakota

"It happens all over North Dakota, including small towns."

NORTH DAKOTA — January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month, and organizers in North Dakota are helping inform the public of the severity of the issue. “When you look at human trafficking it’s a criminal act, and it’s also what we call human rights violations,” ND Human Trafficking Taskforce’s Dr. Analena M. Lunde said. Human trafficking affects many people, and the…

Charges announced in large drug operation on Native American reservations in ND

Investigators are calling it "Operation Blue Prairie"

NORTH DAKOTA — Twenty six people are charged in what is being called an unprecedented drug distribution enterprise on Indian country in North Dakota. Operation Blue Prairie is the investigation into a large drug ring taking place on North Dakota’s Spirit Lake, Turtle Mountain and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations since 2015. “It was the objective of this conspiracy to target…