Man gets 13-year prison term for drug charge

MINNEAPOLIS – A 48-year-old Red Lake man was sentenced this week for his role in a methamphetamine distribution ring.

U.S. District Judge Susan R. Nelson sentenced Terry Lee Branchaud, also known as Niko Vinnie Gambino, to 13 years in federal prison for aiding and abetting the distribution of five grams or more of actual methamphetamine.

Branchaud, who was indicted with three co-defendants, pleaded guilty Jan. 30, 2012. In his plea agreement, Branchaud acknowledged he conspired with others to distribute meth. He and a co-defendant, Clayton Clarence Reiger, distributed nearly 89 grams of meth to undercover officer in West St. Paul for $6,750.

Reiger pleaded guilty last year to one count of conspiracy to distribute meth and received 14 years in prison.

Another co-defendant, Terrence Wayne Vadnais, also pleaded guilty to a similar charge and received 10 years in prison.