Bismarck men found guilty on drug conspiracy charges

Acting U.S. Attorney Lynn Jordheim announced that on Jan. 29, Donavan Michael Slagg and Gregory Scott Taylor, both of Bismarck, were found guilty by a 12-person jury of drug conspiracy charges. Slagg was also found guilty of money laundering conspiracy.

Chief Judge Ralph R. Erickson presided over the seven-day trial. The jury deliberated five hours before finding Slagg and Taylor guilty.

Slagg, 32, and Taylor, 46, were involved in the distribution of large amounts of methamphetamine in the Bismarck-Mandan area in 2008. The investigation into Slagg resulted from a search warrant at a hotel in Bismarck where approximately one ounce of methamphetamine was seized in a vehicle owned by Slagg.

After Slagg’s arrest on state charges, Slagg arranged through co-conspirators to post $50,000 in cash with the Burleigh County clerk of court. Federal authorities were authorized by a federal district court judge to seize the $50,000 and then initiated a federal investigation into Slagg and other co-conspirators.

Slagg is facing a mandatory life sentence and Taylor could be sentenced to 10 years in prison. A total of 10 defendants have been indicted in this case.

The case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

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