Central Minnesota Woman Sentenced for Role in Sinaloa Cartel Drug Smuggling Operation

(KNSI) — Another woman from central Minnesota has been sentenced for her role in a drug smuggling operation on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel.

Thirty-five-year-old Tiffany Keomany of St. Cloud was sentenced to 12 years in prison after she pled guilty in July to charges of conspiracy to distribute illegal drugs and international money laundering conspiracy. Prosecutors say Keomany was one of several who were involved in smuggling fentanyl, cocaine and methamphetamine to the Upper Midwest. The drugs originated from the cartel formerly led by Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. He is now serving a life sentence in a federal prison.

The group is accused of using threats and violence to get money to cover up their operation. They also employed shady financial practices and smartphone apps to conceal how they moved money around.

On January 6th, 32-year-old Macalla Knott was sentenced to more than 26 years in prison for her role in the estimated $10 million drug running operation. Knott admitted to supervising, managing, and leading at least five people in the enterprise. She pleaded guilty in 2023 to conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, money laundering conspiracy and continuing criminal enterprise charges.

Her father, Jeffrey Knott, was also charged in the scheme and sentenced to just over seven years.

In all, more than a dozen people have been sent to prison for their roles in the operation. Melanie Quick of St. Cloud was also arrested and charged in the operation. She was sentenced to nine years in prison and three years of supervised release. Another St. Cloud woman, Deanna Gerads, pleaded guilty in March of 2024 to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances but has not been sentenced. Two others, including 30-year-old Tyler Pelzer, are also awaiting sentencing.

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