Jose Rios has pleaded guilty to conspiracy in a case involving a ring importing methamphetamines from Mexican "super labs" to North Dakota.
Rios, 25, who had been on trial in U.S. District Court in Fargo, faces a minimum 10-year sentence on the charge, with a possible life sentence.
The plea, part of an agreement filed Thursday, was accepted by U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson, who said testimony in the case established a factual basis for the plea.
Meanwhile, prosecutors rested their case Thursday against Rios' co-defendant, Miguel Angel Chavez, the drug conspiracy's alleged ringleader. The defense will have an opportunity to put on its case today, when closing arguments are expected.
