Two Claremont Men Indicted For Conspiring To Distribute Methamphetamine

MINNEAPOLIS—A federal indictment unsealed late yesterday charges two men from the southeastern Minnesota community of Claremont with conspiring to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment, which was filed on May 6, 2013, charges Clancy Shane Amy, age 38, and Michael Steven Schoenfelder, age 33, with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. In addition, Amy was charged with three counts of distribution of methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, and one count of using and carrying a firearm during and in relation to a drug-trafficking crime. The indictment was unsealed following the defendants’ initial appearance in federal court.

The indictment alleges that from at least August 2012 through March 2013, the defendants conspired with others to distribute more than 500 grams of methamphetamine. It also alleges that Amy distributed approximately one ounce of methamphetamine on January 16, January 24, and again on March 15, 2013. In addition, on April 18, 2013, Amy allegedly possessed with intent to distribute approximately four ounces of methamphetamine while in possession of a 12-gauge shotgun; a nine-millimeter, semi-automatic pistol; and a .22-caliber, semi-automatic handgun.

If convicted, the defendants face a potential maximum penalty of life in prison on the conspiracy charge. In addition, Amy faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years on each distribution count, ten years on the possession count, and a consecutive term of five years to life on the firearm count. Any sentence, of course, would be determined by a federal district court judge.

This case is the result of an investigation by the United States Drug Enforcement Administration, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, the Minnesota South Central Drug Investigation Unit and the Southeastern Minnesota Gang and Narcotics Task Force. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen A. Slaughter.

An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.