News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 18, 2007
Contact: Joanna Zoltay
Number: 312-886-2597

Minneapolis Area Man Convicted of Selling Methamphetamine
Facing Life Sentence

JAN 18 -- (Minneapolis)—After just four hours of deliberation, a federal jury in the District of Minnesota convicted Jeffrey Mathew Jeanetta of one count of conspiracy to distribute and to posses with the intent to distribute eighteen pounds of methamphetamine, one count of distribution of 87.2 grams of methamphetamine, and one count of possession of multiple firearms by a felon. The verdict came after a four-day trial before United States District Court Judge Donovan W. Frank. Jeanetta had distributed methamphetamine out of his home for ten years and is credited with supplying much of the meth in and around Chisago County.

“Methamphetamine distribution and abuse is a threat to all communities,” stated Gary G. Olenkiewicz, the Special Agent in Charge of the DEA Chicago Field Division, which covers the state of Minnesota. “This verdict shows that society does not want to tolerate this abuse or those who profit from it. The DEA is proud to be a partner in this multi-jurisdictional effort to keep this addictive stimulant off the streets.”

Court documents and trial evidence revealed that between 1996 and 2006, Jeanetta conspired with others to possess and distribute methamphetamine, and that he obtained it from Arizona and California. He then sold the meth to users and other dealers in and around the Chisago County area. Jeanetta faces a mandatory life sentence, with no parole. Sentencing before Judge Frank is to be scheduled in the near future. Some of Jeanetta’s methamphetamine sources of supply have also been indicted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office in conjunction with this investigation.

The investigation of Jeffrey Mathew Jeanetta was conducted by the DEA in Minneapolis, the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal apprehension, and the Chisago County Sheriff’s Office. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Chris S. Wilton and Tracy L. Perzel.