Man Sentenced in Rochester-Led Cartel Meth Trafficking Case
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Minnesota man has been sentenced to more than 20 years in federal prison for his involvement in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy associated with a Mexican cartel that was allegedly led by a Rochester man.
Federal jury convicted Rodriguez
47-year-old Eric Anthony Rodriguez of St. Paul was among the five people indicted in the case by a federal grand jury last year. A federal jury convicted him in February of this year on charges of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine. Rodriguez was sentenced today to 260 months in prison.
Rochester man allegedly led trafficking operation
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for Minnesota, the leader of the trafficking ring was 33-year-old Erick Emilio Diaz of Rochester. He and three others indicted in the case previously pleaded guilty to federal charges.
Investigators uncover alleged stash houses in Rochester and Other Locations
Court documents indicate the defendants acquired large amounts of methamphetamine outside of Minnesota and distributed the drug throughout the state from April 2024 through March of 2025. It was alleged that they used stash houses in Rochester, Hastings and the Twin Cities, which were all raided by law enforcement over the course of the 12-month investigation.
Olmsted County Sheriff's Office played key role in the investigation
The Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crimes Enforcement Team and other law enforcement agencies involved reported seizing approximately 60 pounds of methamphetamine, 1,500 fentanyl pills and more than $20,000 in cash.
Linked to Sinaloa Cartel
Evidence presented during Rodriguez's trial indicated the drug trafficking operation was affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, which federal prosecutors say is classified as a Transnational Criminal Organization.
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Gallery Credit: Photos supplied by Rochester Police Departmentt
