Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced the sentencing of Karmen Charles Fox, 34, from Fargo, North Dakota. Fox was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison by Chief Judge Peter Welte for multiple offenses related to drug distribution and possession of firearms. Following his prison term, Fox will serve 20 years of supervised release and pay a $700 Special Assessment.
The investigation into Fox began after an overdose death on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. It was discovered that Fox was the primary source of fentanyl pills consumed by the victim. Fox distributed these pills across North Dakota, including the Spirit Lake and Fort Berthold Indian Reservations, involving codefendants such as Scott Roberts, Kristin Carrington, Chasity Lynn Feather, and Aiana Richotte. The group used money transfer services like CashApp to handle drug proceeds.
In December 2022, Fox provided over 100 fentanyl pills to Feather and Richotte for further distribution in Devils Lake. An overdose occurred after Richotte and a victim smoked one of these pills. Emergency personnel could not revive the victim.
Authorities executed search warrants at Richotte and Feather's hotel room in Devils Lake and seized $1,293 from Feather’s purse along with approximately 175 fentanyl pills from her person.
Social media investigations revealed conversations between Roberts and Fox about distributing thousands of pills and discussing arrests made in Devils Lake on December 13, 2022. A search warrant at Fox’s Fargo residence uncovered methamphetamine, heroin, firearms, and ammunition despite his prior felony convictions prohibiting firearm possession.
Fox was found guilty by a jury on March 19, 2025. His coconspirators received varying sentences: Roberts received ten years; Carrington got three-and-a-half years; Richotte received just over two years; while Feather awaits sentencing.
Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis said: “Today’s action reflects the significant prison sentence that awaits those who choose to infect our community with fentanyl, methamphetamines and illegal firearms.” Acting US Attorney Puhl added: “If you distribute dangerous narcotics that result in overdose deaths, you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
The case involved investigations by several agencies including the FBI; BIA; Lake Region Narcotics Task Force; North Dakota Crime Lab; Cass County Task Force; ATF; and was prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for the District of North Dakota.
