Modesto Torrez Sentenced to Two Life Terms for His Role in Drug Conspiracy and Murder

FARGO – United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announces that on December 1, 2017, MODESTO TORREZ, age 35, of Angus, MN, was sentenced by Eighth Circuit Judge, sitting by designation, Ralph R. Erickson, to serve life imprisonment for his conviction of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and a consecutive life term for murder in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy. Torrez was found guilty by a trial jury in October of this year for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, obstruction of justice and for his role murder of Austin B. Forsman at the Flying J Truck Stop on March 11, 2016. Torrez was further ordered to forfeit $12,620, which was seized during the investigation.

Law enforcement’s investigation into the murder of Austin Forsman at the Flying J Truck Stop in Grand Forks, ND, in the early morning hours of March 11, 2016, resulted in the indictment of thirteen conspirators in connection with a methamphetamine ring in the Grand Forks area. Torrez, together with Krystal Lynn Feist, were charged with the murder of Forsman, as well as the drug trafficking conspiracy. Torrez was found guilty of being the leader of the conspiracy to traffic methamphetamine in the area, as well as for ordering the murder of Austin Forsman and obstructing justice. Krystal Feist had previously pled guilty for her role in the murder and drug trafficking conspiracy.

This case was investigated by the Grand Forks Police Department, Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force, North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, and the Department of Homeland Security – Homeland Security Investigations.

This case was prosecuted by U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, Assistant U.S. Attorney Jake Rodenbiker, and Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy Ensrud.

http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/nd