Man sentenced to more than 21 years for role in methamphetamine trafficking

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KTTC) – According to the United States Attorney’s Office, District of Minnesota, a man has been sentenced to more than 21 years in prison for the conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and possession, with the intent to distribute methamphetamine.

United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen reportedly said that Eric Anthony Rodriguez, 47, was sentenced to 260 months, which is equal to 21 years and eight months. Rodriguez was previously convicted by a jury in February.

Court documents say Rodriguez conspired with other co-defendants to acquire and distribute hundreds of pounds of meth, with the operation reportedly led by Erick Emilio Diaz-Aguilar.

The operation, named the “Diaz-Aguilar Drug Trafficking Organization (DTO)”, distributed meth throughout the state of Minnesota from April 2024 to March 2025. During an investigation, which reportedly lasted nearly a year, authorities seized almost 60 pounds of meth, 1,500 fentanyl pills and more than $20,000 from multiple people associated with the operation.

More evidence reportedly showed that the DTO was associated with the Sinaloa Cartel, a Transnational Criminal Organization (TCO).

“Today’s sentencing reflects my office’s commitment to holding drug traffickers accountable. Rodriguez played a significant role in a conspiracy that pushed methamphetamine across Minnesota, and this sentence reflects the seriousness of his actions,” United States Attorney Daniel N. Rosen said.

Captain of the Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and Commander of the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team Tim Parkin stressed the importance of keeping “dangerous” drugs off the street, noting that Minnesota is safer because of it.

“The Olmsted County Sheriff’s Office and the Southeast Minnesota Violent Crime Enforcement Team (SEMVCET) work collaboratively with local, state, and federal agencies to disrupt and dismantle Drug Trafficking Organizations,” Parkin said. “This case is one example of positive outcomes achieved when working together. Minnesota and beyond are safer with these dangerous drugs off the streets and the suspects held accountable.”

Judge Susan R. Nelson said Rodriguez’s sentence was reflective of his role as a “crucial workhorse” in the DTO, adding that the sentence was based on the harm meth causes to Minnesota communities through addiction and overdose deaths.

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