Matthew Wood
FARGO (KFGO) – One of the defendants named in a large scale drug distribution case filed earlier this month appeared in federal district court Tuesday morning. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alex Stock argued on behalf of the government for the pretrial detention of Matthew Wood, who was arrested in Fargo on October 6.
Stock said that while Wood himself isn’t a dealer, he is the “right hand man” for Jessica Trottier, the lead defendant in the methamphetamine trafficking and conspiracy case. Stock said Wood admitted to his voice being on calls with Trottier that were wire-tapped as part of the investigation. Stock says the government recorded over 1000 calls and texts between the two, which detailed the ways in which Wood helped facilitate Trottier’s drug operation, including securing firearms, cars, and phones for Trottier, often registering them in his name on her behalf.
Stock alleged that Wood also threatened to harm people who were making things difficult for Trottier, saying he would “give them the Columbian necktie,” – or cut their throats.
Stock said Wood has a long criminal history including theft, resisting arrest and probation and parole violations, including two bench warrants for his arrest in Georgia, one on a RICO violation.
Wood’s attorney Tatum O’Brien argued that he had stayed out of trouble since 2014 and had a job at a church and other opportunities for employment. Wood also pled his case directly, saying he had turned himself in and would, “do his best as a human being,” but Magistrate Judge Alice Senechal granted the prosecution’s motion for pretrial detention, citing the weight of the evidence against Wood and his previous failures to appear.
The list of defendants in the case is expected to more than double from the ten people who are currently charged.
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