Associated Press Writer

By DAVE KOLPACKBy DAVE KOLPACK

FARGO - Federal authorities have released the name of a fugitive wanted for drug trafficking and the 2005 killing of an East Grand Forks, Minn., man.

Martin Carrillo, 19, was indicted last October in the death of Lee Avila, 28, of East Grand Forks. Four other men were arrested, and one pleaded guilty.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for information leading to the arrest of the 6-foot-1, 240-pound Carrillo, whose last known residence was Wapato, Wash.

Prosecutors have not decided whether they will seek the death penalty against Carrillo and three other suspects in Avila's death. Jorge "Sneaky" Arandas, Gabriel Martinez and Alan Wessels also have been charged in the killing. Michael Petzold was sentenced to 30 years in prison after he pleaded guilty.

In earlier court proceedings, prosecutors said Avila was shot to death in a dispute over 5 pounds of meth delivered to him. Arandas and Martinez are charged with murder.

Court documents released Monday say Martinez "intentionally killed Lee Avila," and Arandas "used a firearm or knowingly directed, advised, authorized or assisted another" in the killing.

Authorities said the case involved a wide-ranging conspiracy to bring methamphetamine, marijuana and cocaine from Mexico and the West Coast to North Dakota and other states. At least 44 people have been arrested, which authorities have dubbed "Operation Speed Racer."

Carrillo faces several charges, including death caused by use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The indictment had been sealed until Monday, when prosecutors decided to seek help in locating Carrillo.

"Any tip, however small, may be the key to locating and arresting Martin Carrillo," U.S. Attorney Drew Wrigley said at a Fargo news conference.

Wrigley said he could not comment on whether Carrillo has a criminal record.

"We do the best that we can to swoop down and make all of the arrests at the same time," Wrigley said. "When people are not yet aware that law enforcement is seeking them, we have a tactical advantage. You want that element of surprise."

U.S. Marshal David Carpenter said he is confident Carrillo will be arrested.

"We have a lot of time. These things never go away. We'll find him," Carpenter said.

Wrigley and Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Myers, the lead prosecutor in the case, scheduled another news conference in Yakima, Wash., this morning to talk about Carrillo.

"The bottom line is, at this point and time, we're not sure where he's at," Myers said. "There may be people here that know where he's at, and there may people in Washington state that know where he's at."

Also Monday, Wrigley filed his written opposition to a defense motion that would prevent participants from talking about the case. Robert Hoy, an attorney for Arandas, believes that pretrial publicity could jeopordize his client's right to a fair trial.

In his response, Wrigley said there's no basis "to take the drastic measure of imposing a gag order."