Hearing Delayed For 1 Of 2 Brothers In Drug Case

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — A change of plea hearing for one of two brothers charged in a conspiracy to deal large quantities of methamphetamine was postponed after the defendant asked for more time to think about the deal.

David Cerna is charged in federal court with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. He was scheduled to change his plea to guilty at a hearing Tuesday in Fargo.

However, Cerna told U.S. District Judge Ralph Erickson that he felt pressured to decide on the plea and said he's struggling with the decision.

Erickson postponed the hearing until later in the week.

Cerna's brother, Juan, pleaded guilty earlier Tuesday to a drug conspiracy charge. He faces life in prison.

Authorities say the conspiracy moved met from Texas to North Dakota and Minnesota.

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