Fargo Man Charged In Federal Drug Trafficking Conspiracy Spanning Multiple States

FARGO, ND — A Fargo man has been charged in federal court for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, part of what investigators describe as a large-scale drug trafficking operation that stretched nearly a year and connected North Dakota to Chicago.

Operation Spanned From Fargo To Chicago

Austin Michael Muck, also known as “A-Town,” was charged on October 1 in U.S. District Court with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, according to a complaint filed by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

The investigation stemmed from Muck’s November 2024 arrest by West Fargo police on charges including fleeing officers, reckless endangerment, and drug possession. Officers found $4,785 in cash at the time of his arrest, triggering a wider probe into his alleged activities.

Federal Agencies Uncover Major Distribution Network

Multiple agencies—including the DEA, Cass County Drug Task Force, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)—joined the investigation after learning that Muck was allegedly distributing methamphetamine throughout the Fargo-Moorhead area.

While jailed, Muck was recorded on phone calls instructing associates to delete incriminating evidence from his seized cell phone. A subsequent search warrant revealed messages tied to a supplier known as “Jon,” later identified as Christopher Flowers of Chicago.

Chicago Supplier Arrested With Meth And Fentanyl

Flowers was arrested on November 25, 2024, at 702 10th St. N. in Fargo after trying to escape through a second-story window. Investigators recovered 958 grams of methamphetamine, 99 grams of powdered fentanyl, 239 fentanyl-laced pills, and $10,481 in cash.

During questioning, Flowers told agents that Muck received 1–2 pounds of meth per transaction, with a “mandatory” minimum of one pound each meeting.

A later search of Muck’s apartment at 2107 17th Street South on December 6, 2024, uncovered smaller amounts of meth and fentanyl, as well as $28,150 in cash stored in a safe.

Witnesses Describe Scale Of Trafficking Operation

Two cooperating witnesses detailed the size of the operation. One said they saw Muck with 5–6 pounds of meth and estimated they received about 10 pounds total from him. Another claimed Muck distributed 20–25 pounds and received about a pound every two to three days.

Muck made his initial court appearance October 2, 2025, and remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing scheduled for October 7.

If convicted, Muck faces significant federal penalties under narcotics trafficking statutes, including lengthy prison terms and asset forfeiture.

Do you believe communities like Fargo need stronger interstate drug enforcement cooperation to curb trafficking? Share your thoughts with us at NapervilleLocal.com, where we continue to follow major criminal cases and public safety news across the Midwest.