MICHAEL FJERSTAD, 45, of Mukilteo, Washington was convicted late yesterday in U.S. District Court in Seattle of Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine, three counts of Distribution of Methamphetamine, Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Distribute, and being a Felon in Possession of Ammunition. The jury deliberated for 2 hours following a week long jury trial. When sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge Ricardo S. Martinez on May 1, 2009, FJERSTAD faces a mandatory minimum term of 20 years in prison and a maximum term of life in prison.

According to records filed in the case and testimony at trial, in the summer of 2007, a confidential source alerted a Seattle Police Officer to drug dealing by FJERSTAD. Seattle Police investigating officers learned that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was already working on information that FJERSTAD was dealing methamphetamine from his Mukilteo home and Seattle area business. On three separate occasions, a confidential informant purchased methamphetamine from FJERSTAD, and on July 30, 2007, search warrants were served on both his home and business. Agents and officers found drugs, cash and other evidence of drug dealing, as well as significant amounts of ammunition (130 rounds of ammunition, which included 82 rounds of hollow-point bullets). In 2005, FJERSTAD was convicted in Snohomish County of felony drug possession and therefore was prohibited from possessing ammunition.

The case was investigated by the DEA and Seattle Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lisca Borichewski.

For additional information please contact Emily Langlie, Public Affairs Officer for the United States Attorney’s Office, at (206) 553-4110 or Emily.Langlie@USDOJ.Gov.

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