Third manslaughter conviction in fentanyl overdose death of 16-year-old

Fox James Bellanger sentenced to 75 months in prison

August 22, 2025 (SAINT PAUL) — Today, a Benton County court sentenced Fox James Bellanger to 75 months in prison for his role in the fentanyl overdose death of a 16-year-old child, following his July 2025 guilty plea to Second-Degree Manslaughter. Codefendants Anthony James Costello and Crystal Marie Swenson were previously sentenced for their roles in the same crime.

On March 2, 2024, Costello provided the victim with money to purchase drugs from Swenson, and Bellanger aided Swenson in facilitating the sale of the drugs to the victim. After the victim purchased the drugs, he and Costello consumed them together. The victim overdosed shortly thereafter. An autopsy revealed that the toxic effects of fentanyl caused the victim’s death. 

Attorney General Ellison’s office prosecuted the case at the request of Benton County Attorney Kathleen Reuter under Minnesota Statutes Sec. 8.01, which provides, “Upon request of the county attorney, the attorney general shall appear in court in such criminal cases as the attorney general deems proper.” The authority vested in the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office is primarily civil. Outside of very specific circumstances, including requests submitted under section 8.01 and instances of Medicaid fraud, the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office does not have prosecuting authority over most criminal acts. That authority generally rests with city and county attorneys.

“Crimes like these are absolutely heartbreaking. I’m praying for the young man that lost his life, as well as for his friends, family, and loved ones,” said Attorney General Keith Ellison. “Fentanyl has caused enormous harm in every corner of Minnesota, and far too many Minnesotans have had to grapple with the pain and grief of losing someone they care about to this deadly drug. I will continue to work with members of law enforcement to curb the spread of fentanyl and prosecute those responsible for its spread.”

The Sauk Rapids Police Department investigated this crime.