FARGO - United States Attorney Christopher C. Myers announces that on October 5, 2017, MODESTO TORREZ, age 35, of Angus, MN, was found guilty of: Conspiracy to Possess with Intent to Distribute and Distribute a Controlled Substance; Murder in Furtherance of a Drug Trafficking Conspiracy; Aiding and Abetting in Death Caused by Use of a Firearm During a Crime of Violence or Drug Trafficking Offense; and Obstruction of Justice, by a jury following five days of trial. Torrez was also 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 traffick 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.
Sentencing has been scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, 2017, in Fargo, ND.
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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
