Grand Forks Man Convicted After Trial in Meth Conspiracy

FARGO - Acting United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on May 13, 2015, José Luis Delacruz, 37, aka Joe Delacruz, from Grand Forks, North Dakota, was found guilty following a 2 ½ day trial for Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Methamphetamine, as well as Brandishing a Firearm During the Commission of Drug Trafficking.

During the course of the conspiracy, co-conspirators received methamphetamine from Delacruz, which was sold primarily in the Grand Forks area; the conspiracy moved in excess of 500 grams of a mixture containing methamphetamine.

Delacruz was also convicted for his role of pistol-whipping a co-conspirator in Grand Forks whom he believed was cooperating. Delacruz faces up to life imprisonment for the drug charge and a mandatory seven-year consecutive sentence for brandishing the firearm in connection with the conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department, the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, and the Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations.

The case was prosecuted by Acting U.S. Attorney Chris Myers, AUSA Megan Healy, and SAUSA Jeremy Ensrud.

Sentencing for Delacruz is set for August 3, 2015, in Fargo.