St. Paul Man Charged With Possession With Intent To Distribute Fentanyl

United States Attorney Erica H. MacDonald today announced a federal criminal complaint against JUAN MANUEL BUENDIA-CALDERA, 40, charging him with possession with intent to distribute fentanyl. BUENDIA-CALDERA, who was taken into federal custody on January 21, 2021, made his initial appearance earlier today before Magistrate Judge David T. Schultz in U.S. District Court.

According to the allegations in the criminal complaint and law enforcement affidavit, after receiving information that an individual named “Migo,” later identified as BUENDIA-CALDERA, was selling fentanyl in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, an undercover law enforcement officer contacted BUENDIA-CALDERA to purchase fentanyl. BUENDIA-CALDERA delivered 1.2 kilograms of fentanyl to the undercover officer. During the transaction, BUENDIA-CALDERA discussed his ability to provide an additional two kilograms of fentanyl as well as crystal methamphetamine. On January 21, 2021, following CALDERA’s arrest, law enforcement seized from BUENDIA-CALDERA’s residence more than two kilograms of fentanyl.                                               

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA Minneapolis, DEA Fargo, St. Paul Police Department, Ramsey County Sheriff’s Office, Ramsey County VCET, Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota State Patrol, Washington County Sheriff’s Office, and the Southwest Metro Drug Task Force.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Justin A. Wesley.

The charges contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Defendant Information:

JUAN MANUEL BUENDIA-CALDERA, 40

St. Paul, Minn.

Charges:

• Possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, 1 count

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United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota: (612) 664-5600