Five Men Sentenced to Total of 518 Months’ Imprisonment for Role in Large-Scale Drug Trafficking in Wadena County

MINNEAPOLIS - United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen announced today that five defendants were collectively sentenced to over 500 months of imprisonment for their roles in a large-scale drug trafficking case out of Wadena County.

The following individuals were sentenced:

• Robert Joseph Anderson, 40, of Wadena, Minnesota, 132 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
• Aaron Thomas Heifort, 30, of Clitherall, Minnesota, 122 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
• Bill J. Rude, 63, of Wadena, Minnesota, 120 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
• Carlos Deyvi Valdovinos-Trejo, 39, 84 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine
• Jesus Alarcon Valdovinos, 44, 60 months for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine

On July 9, 2026, Aaron Heifort, the final of five these defendants, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge John R. Tunheim in Minneapolis.

According to court documents, beginning in or about December 2023, and continuing through in or about February 2024, Valdovinos-Trejo, Valdovinos, Anderson, Heifort, and Rude knowingly and intentionally conspired with one another and others to possess with the intent to distribute and distribute large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in Minnesota.

On November 10, 2023, law enforcement responded to a death at a residence in Wadena County, Minnesota that was caused by a methamphetamine and fentanyl overdose. Investigators identified Rude as one of the decedent's methamphetamine suppliers. Through further investigation, law enforcement successfully uncovered the broader distribution network. Anderson, a prominent regional distributor in the Wadena area, procured bulk quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine from Valdovinos-Trejo and Valdovinos, which he in turn sold to downstream distributors in Greater Minnesota, including Heifort and Rude.

Between December 2023 and January 2024, law enforcement seized more than 2.6 kilograms of methamphetamine and 29 grams of cocaine from the Wadena-based members of the conspiracy, including Rude, Heifort, and Anderson. In January 2024, law enforcement conducted two separate controlled buys from Valdovinos-Trejo, resulting in the seizure of an additional 1.35 kilograms of methamphetamine. On February 6, 2024, law enforcement conducted a third controlled buy from both Mr. Valdovinos-Trejo and Carlos Valdovinos for 2.3 kilograms of methamphetamine. That same day, law enforcement searched two residences associated with the trafficking conspiracy and seized an additional 5.2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1.1 kilograms of heroin, and 1.3 kilograms of cocaine.

"Methamphetamine and fentanyl continue to destroy countless lives and communities throughout Greater Minnesota. The sentencing of these five individuals demonstrates the strong partnership across federal and local law enforcement to hold accountable those who distribute dangerous drugs into our communities," said United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen.

"Aaron Heifort and his methamphetamine-trafficking conspirators face a combined 43 years in federal prison for the significant amount of poison they brought into and distributed around our Minnesota communities," DEA Omaha Field Division Special Agent in Charge Dustin Gillespie said. "As a result of their actions, an individual lost their life. It's an unfortunate tragedy seen all too frequently across the state, region and country. Drug traffickers like Heifort line their pocket with proceeds turning a blind eye to the lives lost and families left behind."

"This case reflects a strong partnership between the Wadena County Sheriff's Office and our local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies and our shared commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable. We remain committed to pursuing those who distribute dangerous drugs in our communities and seeking justice for the victims and their families," said Wadena County Sheriff Michael D. Carr.

"What started out as a local drug related overdose death, resulted in the federal indictments and convictions of several people. The investigation by deputies of the West Central Minnesota Violent Crime and Drug Task Force discovered a large-scale drug trafficking ring. This case outlines the importance of multi-jurisdictional task forces and relationships with state and federal partners and its impact on public safety," said Otter Tail County Minnesota Sheriff Barry Fitzgibbons.

"Drug trafficking doesn't stop at city or county lines," said Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Superintendent Drew Evans. "Cases like this demonstrate why strong partnerships across Minnesota are so important. By working together and following the evidence wherever it leads, law enforcement agencies can better disrupt the networks bringing dangerous drugs into our communities."

"The Minnesota State Patrol remains committed to supporting our law enforcement partners by contributing our unique capabilities and resources to initiatives that enhance public safety. While each agency plays a distinct role, our shared commitment to cooperation, information sharing, and coordinated enforcement allows us to remain steadfast in our collective mission to protect the communities we serve," said Minnesota State Patrol Colonel Christina Bogojevic.

This case was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wadena County Sheriff's Office, Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office, West Central Drug Task Force, Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Minnesota State Patrol, Drug Enforcement Administration, and other federal and local law enforcement partners.

United States Assistant Attorney Garrett S. Fields prosecuted the case.