The U.S. Justice Department stated that a North Pole man faces a combined minimum sentence of ten years for firearms and drug dealing charges after a federal grand jury handed down indictments against him in curt today.

38-year-old Ray Don Groskreutz of North Pole was named in a two-count indictment for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine and heroin in July of this year. The indictment also said that Groskeutz ” knowingly and intentionally possessed a handgun in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.”

In the announcement of the indictment today, United States Attorney Karen L. Loeffler, said in a statement, “Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrea W. Hattan, who presented the case to the grand jury, indicated that, for the methamphetamine and heroin charge, Groskreutz faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to 40 years in prison, a fine of $5,000,000, or both. The firearm charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of five years imprisonment, which must be consecutive to the drug trafficking crime, a fine of $250,000, or both.”

The Justice Department is also seeking forfeiture of 15 firearms, including the .380 caliber handgun that Groskreutz had on his person at the time of his arrest, as well as numerous rounds of ammo seized from his van.

Groskreutz is currently in custody on the charges.

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  drug, firearms, grand jury, indictment, intent to distribute, possession, ray groskreutz