Felon from Washington state sentenced in North Dakota to 15 years in federal prison for meth trafficking, illegally possessing firearm

BISMARCK, N.D. — A convicted felon from the state of Washington was sentenced Monday to 15 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess methamphetamine, and for illegally possessing a firearm.

These charges were announced by U.S. Attorney Christopher C. Myers, District of North Dakota. The following agencies investigated this case: U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI); Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF); Berthold (North Dakota) Police Department; and Ward County (North Dakota) Narcotics Task Force.  

According to the investigation, David Saul Salazar, 49, Packwood, Washington, was traveling with Gregorio Capetillo and Luis Parra Magana from Washington state to Minot, North Dakota. During that trip, Berthold police chief stopped the car and discovered about 10 pounds of methamphetamine and multiple firearms.

The investigation also revealed prior multi-pound methamphetamine trips had been made by the same organization.  Salazar is an admitted member of the Surenos gang which is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia.

In addition to 15 years in federal prison, Salazar was also sentenced to five years of supervised release.

U.S. District Court Chief Judge Daniel L. Hovland had sentenced Parra Magana and Capetillo to 41 months and 10 years, respectively, following their previous convictions.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeremy A. Ensrud, District of North Dakota, prosecuted this case.