Federal Charge Filed Against Man In Overdose Cases
FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The case against a North Dakota man accused of manufacturing synthetic drugs that led to a pair of overdose deaths has moved to federal court.
A complaint filed Wednesday against 22-year-old Andrew Spofford charges him with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute controlled substances. He has not been asked to enter a plea. A preliminary hearing is scheduled Monday.
The federal file contains no further information. State documents show that Spofford admitted making the drugs by mixing chemicals ordered through the mail.
Police say 18-year-old Christian Bjerk, of Grand Forks, and 17-year-old Elijah Stai, of Park Rapids, Minn., died of apparent drug overdoses from the hallucinogens.
Two other men, 19-year-old Adam Budge of East Grand Forks, Minn., and 18-year-old Wesley Sweeney of Manvel, are accused of supplying the drugs.
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