Welcome to Arrest Stories. A North Dakota woman has pleaded guilty to federal kingpin charges after authorities uncovered her role as the boss of a massive methamphetamine operation that spanned multiple states and involved threats of murder. Here's what may have happened.
Jessica Trottier operated a sprawling drug enterprise from two thousand twenty-one through two thousand twenty-three, supervising at least twenty-five co-conspirators across multiple states in what federal prosecutors describe as a continuing criminal enterprise. The investigation revealed Trottier's iron grip on her organization, with one official noting she wasn't taking direction from anyone, telling subordinates "I'm not your baby, I'm your boss."
The case took a dark turn when federal wiretaps, authorized on August sixth, two thousand twenty-two, captured Trottier orchestrating what appeared to be a murder-for-hire plot against Dana Thomas. According to intercepted communications, Trottier sent two California-based dealers to kill Thomas and instructed two other men to lure him to a Grand Forks hotel. In chilling text messages monitored in real time by federal agents, Trottier wrote "Put him in the trunk. I don't care if he disappears" following an expletive-laden exchange with an associate named Guzman.
The enterprise involved possession with intent to distribute controlled substances and maintaining drug-involved premises. Trottier also illegally possessed four specific firearms on or before September twenty-first, two thousand twenty-two, despite being a convicted felon. Many weapons had altered or removed serial numbers.
The investigation gained momentum after Moore's arrest in January two thousand twenty-two. During proceedings, an official told Trottier "It's OK to get emotional" as the scope of her criminal enterprise became clear.
Trottier now faces charges including operating a continuing criminal enterprise, illegal firearm possession, witness tampering, and threats relating to the Thomas murder conspiracy. Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for Thursday, February nineteenth, two thousand twenty-six.
All suspects presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Do not take this report as factual, always verify facts. Thanks for watching Arrest Stories.