FARGO, N.D. (AP) - The alleged ringleader in a drug conspiracy case pleaded guilty to 13 charges, including murder.
Twenty-six-year-old Jorge "Sneaky" Arandas was accused of running an operation that brought drugs Mexico and the West Coast to North Dakota, Minnesota and other states.
Authorities say Arandas ordered the killing of Lee Avila of East Grand Forks, Minnesota. Four other defendants were charged in Avila's death.
Arandas faces a maximum penalty of 10 life sentences and a 50 million dollar fine.
His lawyer, Steve Mottinger, says his client wanted to take responsibility for his actions.
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U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley says the guilty pleas show the strength of the case known as "Operation Speed Racer."
