Five Individuals Have Been Sentenced to Federal Prison on Drug Charges in Spirit Lake Conspiracy

FARGO - US Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on August 8, 2016, Winterhawk Leonard Oldrock, 37, Fort Totten, ND, was sentenced before US District Judge Ralph R. Erickson to serve 7 years in prison for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of a Controlled Substance. Judge Erickson also sentenced Oldrock to serve 3 years of supervised release and to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

Oldrock and four other defendants have been convicted for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine in Devils Lake ND, as well as within the Spirit Lake Reservation. The following individuals have previously been sentenced for their involvement in this conspiracy:

• Nestor Lopez Jr., 26, Devils Lake, 10 ½ years

• Theresa Rose Lopez, 29, Devils Lake, 4 years

• Janet Joyce Oldrock, 34, Fort Totten, 7 years

• Fernando Lopez, 19, Devils Lake, 3 years

U.S. Attorney Myers stated "this case is a great example of state, local, and federal agencies working together to address a problem that continues to carry a devastating impact on the families and communities in this state, including those of the Spirit Lake Nation. Hopefully this sends a message that serious consequences await those who chose to foster this devastation."

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Indian Affairs-Fort Totten, the Lake Region Narcotics Task Force, and the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation.

Assistant US Attorney Brett Shasky prosecuted the case.