Dickinson Woman Sentenced to 25 Years for Distribution of Methamphetamine

BISMARCK - US attorney Christopher C Myers announced that on May 10, 2017, Windy Lynn Panzo, 49, Dickinson, ND, was sentenced before Chief US District Judge Daniel L Hovland to serve 25 years in prison and 5 years of supervised release. Judge Hovland also ordered Panzo to pay a $400 special assessment to the Crime Victims’ Fund.

This case came to the attention of law enforcement on approximately October 12, 2015, when law enforcement entered a Dickinson parking lot known for drug trafficking and initiated a traffic stop on the vehicle of which Panzo was the driver. A search of the vehicle turned up various types of drugs as well as drug paraphernalia.

On October 21, 2015, while conducting surveillance on an area reported to law enforcement as being an area where drug activity was occurring, a traffic stop was made and Panzo was again identified as the driver of the vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, a loaded 9mm pistol and multiple drug paraphernalia were found. Panzo was prohibited from possession of a firearm or ammunition due to her previous felony convictions. Panzo subsequently admitted to distributing more than 50 pounds of methamphetamine.

Other co-defendants associated with Panzo are:

John Carlton Roberts, who received 10 years in prison

Boyd Dale Padgett, who received 15 years in prison

Arrah Marie Lane, who received 1 year and 8 months in prison

This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Southwest Narcotics Task Force.

Special Assistant US Attorney Dawn Deitz prosecuted this case