Federal Distribution of Methamphetamine: Dismissed

Client was indicted in federal court for conspiracy to distribute controlled substances under 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1) and § 846, with forfeiture allegations under § 853. The government alleged drug weights triggering a 10-year mandatory minimum sentence under § 841(b)(1)(A). After conducting a full defense investigation, we uncovered serious credibility issues involving the confidential informant and developed an entrapment theory supported by the evidence. The government dismissed the case before trial.

The indictment stemmed from a federal investigation involving controlled deliveries, surveillance, and testimony from a confidential informant. The government alleged that our client knowingly participated in a conspiracy to traffic large quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl. Based on the alleged drug weight, the charges carried a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in federal prison.

Our office launched a full-scale investigation into the conduct of the informant. We uncovered evidence that the informant was actively protecting her own drug-dealing boyfriend and using her cooperation to target others, including our client. The informant was not following law enforcement direction and had engaged in repeated misconduct that directly influenced the evidence in the case.

We developed and prepared an entrapment theory based on this pattern of behavior, supported by documentary records, prior law enforcement contacts, and internal contradictions in the investigative file. Before trial, the government reevaluated its case and agreed to dismiss the indictment in its entirety.

Dismissals of fully charged federal drug conspiracies are exceedingly rare, especially when mandatory minimums apply. This outcome was the result of independent investigation, targeted litigation strategy, and a firm understanding of how to challenge the government’s key witness.