A drug trafficking conspiracy that moved dozens of pounds of methamphetamine through Nevada has resulted in a prison sentence of more than 15 years for a Reno man, while two co-defendants have also been sentenced.
Max Vaneeten was sentenced Monday to 188 months in prison for his role in a conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine. Prosecutors had recommended a life sentence.
According to court documents, Vaneeten operated a drug trafficking organization based in Fallon from Dec. 16, 2022, to June 19, 2023. He conspired with Tasia Ratti and Chace Young to possess and distribute large quantities of crystal methamphetamine across the greater Nevada area.
On June 18, 2023, law enforcement stopped Vaneeten in California and found methamphetamine, cocaine, and cash. During the conspiracy, about 35 pounds of methamphetamine and about 1 pound of cocaine were distributed.
Vaneeten pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, two counts of distribution of a controlled substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance.
Ratti was sentenced to 97 months in prison, while Young received an 87-month prison sentence.
“This defendant chose to flood our communities with pure poison for profit, completely indifferent to the lives he ruined and the families he tore apart,” said First Assistant U.S. Attorney Sigal Chattah for the District of Nevada. “A sentence of 188 months ensures that his career as a poison peddler is officially over, and it serves as a stark warning to anyone else thinking they can operate a drug conspiracy: we will hunt you down, dismantle your network, and lock you away where you can no longer harm the public.”
“Methamphetamine and fentanyl remain at the forefront of the drug crisis devastating Americans,” said David Olesky, special agent in charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration's Los Angeles Field Division, which covers Nevada. “Drug criminals continue to exploit our communities for profit despite the severe harm they cause. Today's sentencing reinforces our unyielding commitment to holding offenders accountable and securing justice. DEA stands united with our federal partners to protect the health and safety of our communities.”
