Deadly Fargo synthetic drug ring guilty plea

FARGO, N.D. (AP) -- A man charged in a synthetic drug ring that led to the overdose deaths of two North Dakota teenagers has pleaded guilty in federal court in Fargo to a conspiracy charge.

Twenty-three-year-old Casey Rosen struck a deal with prosecutors to avoid the possibility of a life sentence. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Myers tells the Grand Forks Herald that Rosen is to be sentenced April 9.

Myers says Rosen was a key partner to Andrew Spofford, who authorities say was the leader of the ring in eastern North Dakota and northwestern Minnesota. Spofford pleaded guilty to drug and conspiracy charges last fall.

Rosen is the 11th person to plead guilty in the case. Four have been sentenced to prison terms ranging from about two years to more than 12 years.