MINNEAPOLIS - A North Dakota felon has been indicted on conspiracy to distribute fentanyl, announced United States Attorney Andrew M. Luger.

According to court documents, beginning in February 2023 and continuing through approximately April 21, 2023, Jake Noland Northern, a.k.a. "Jake Noal Northern," 45, knowingly and willingly conspired with others to distribute fentanyl in Minnesota and surrounding areas.

Northern was indicted on one count of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl. On October 8, 2024, he made his initial appearance in U.S. District Court before Magistrate Judge Douglas L. Micko and was subsequently ordered detained pending trial.

This case is the result of an investigation conducted by the Pipestone County Sheriff's Office, the Buffalo Ridge Drug Task Force, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Lauren O. Roso and Allen S. Slaughter are prosecuting the case.