Grand Forks Man Sentenced to 20 Years in Prison for Role in Fentanyl Conspiracy

FARGO - U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers announced that on February 1, 2016, Ryan Jon Jensen, 20, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Fargo to 240 months in prison by Chief U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson. Jensen was ordered to pay $17, 264.93 in restitution for funeral expenses and was also ordered to serve up to five years supervised release after his sentence.

Jensen had previously pled guilty on February 27, 2015, to the following charges:

1) Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury and Death.

2) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

3) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury

4) Distribution of a Controlled Substance Resulting in Death

5) Money Laundering Conspiracy

U.S. Attorney Chris Myers noted: "This is a tragic case. There are two kids dead and a number of kids were sent to the hospital from the poison this defendant was distributing in the city of Grand Forks. These substances were readily available for purchase on the Dark Web with the use of a computer. We all need to work together to combat this problem. It is not just a law enforcement problem, but a community problem that needs a community solution. I applaud the steps taken thus far by our state and local partners in Grand Forks to engage the public through education, discussion, and action – we must continue to hold the line together to save lives."

This case is being investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department, Department of Homeland Security - Homeland Security Investigations, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and the Portland (OR) Police Department.

U. S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers and AUSA Scott Schneider are prosecuting the case.