Violent North Dakota drug trafficker sentenced to life in prison

FARGO, N.D. — Following his conviction for his role in a drug trafficking conspiracy, an eastern North Dakota man was sentenced Friday to life in federal prison plus seven additional years for weapons-related crimes.

This sentence resulted from an investigation by the following agencies:  U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Grand Forks (North Dakota) Narcotics Task Force, and Grand Forks Police Department.

José Luis Delacruz, aka Joe Delacruz, 38, of Grand Forks, was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine, as well as seven years for brandishing a firearm while drug trafficking. These sentences will be served consecutively.

“The Grand Forks Police Department, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Grand Forks Narcotics Task Force worked tirelessly to dismantle this drug organization and stop the violent conduct by Mr. Delacruz,” said U.S. Attorney Chris Myers. “This sentence not only ensures public safety but also sends the message to other drug traffickers that if they choose to do business in North Dakota, the collective response by law enforcement will be swift, and prosecution certain.”

North Dakota state Attorney General Wayne Stenehjem said “Once again, a concerted effort by local, state and federal agencies working together has been successful in removing a dangerous offender from the streets, for life. North Dakota will continue to focus efforts and law enforcement resources on dismantling drug trafficking organizations. It is rewarding to see that we are making progress in our efforts.”

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

The following four other members of the drug trafficking conspiracy have already been sentenced to the below federal prison terms:

• Patrick James Peltier: five years;
• Anthony James Farrell: four years;
• Kimberly Ann Ratliff: 10 years; and
• Brian Joseph McMahan: 2 ½ years.

Delacruz was also convicted for pistol-whipping a co-conspirator in Grand Forks, whom he believed was cooperating with law enforcement.