Peace Garden News

Acting United States Attorney Jennifer Klemetsrud Puhl announced that Karmen Charles Fox, a 34-year-old resident of Fargo, North Dakota, has been sentenced to 40 years in federal prison. Chief Judge Peter Welte handed down the sentence for multiple offenses including conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and methamphetamine, distribution resulting in death, money laundering, and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. Following his prison term, Fox will be subject to 20 years of supervised release and must pay a $700 special assessment.

The investigation into Fox began after an overdose death on the Spirit Lake Indian Reservation. Authorities identified Fox as the main supplier of fentanyl pills consumed by the victim. The investigation revealed that Fox distributed drugs across North Dakota, including on reservations such as Spirit Lake and Fort Berthold. His network included codefendants Scott Roberts, Kristin Carrington, Chasity Lynn Feather, Aiana Richotte, among others.

In December 2022, Fox provided over 100 fentanyl pills to Feather and Richotte for distribution in Devils Lake. It was there that Richotte and the overdose victim smoked one of these pills before the victim returned home to Spirit Lake where she later died.

Law enforcement executed search warrants on hotel rooms linked to Feather and Richotte in Devils Lake. They seized $1,293 from Feather's purse along with approximately 175 fentanyl pills from her person.

Further investigations uncovered discussions between Roberts and Fox about distributing "thousands" of pills and arrests made in Devils Lake on December 13, 2022. On November 21, 2023, law enforcement searched Fox’s residence in Fargo seizing methamphetamine, heroin, firearms, and ammunition.

Fox was found guilty following a jury trial on March 19, 2025. His coconspirators have also been sentenced: Roberts received ten years; Carrington three-and-a-half years; Richotte just over two years; while Feather awaits sentencing.

“Today’s action reflects the significant prison sentence that awaits those who choose to infect our community with fentanyl," stated Special Agent Alvin M. Winston Sr., FBI Minneapolis. “Drug dealers can’t hide from law enforcement in North Dakota."

“The defendant prioritized financial gain over human life,” said Acting US Attorney Puhl. “If you distribute dangerous narcotics that result in overdose deaths you will be prosecuted.”

The case involved collaboration among several agencies including the FBI; BIA; Lake Region Narcotics Task Force; North Dakota Crime Lab; Cass County Task Force; ATF; and was prosecuted by the US Attorney’s Office for North Dakota.