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Central Wisconsin drug trafficking ring sentences handed down

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Central Wisconsin drug trafficking ring sentences handed down

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IN BRIEF

  • Multi-year Central Wisconsin drug investigation began in 2022 targeting meth and cocaine trafficking.
  • Law enforcement seized large quantities of drugs, firearms and cash.
  • Multiple defendants convicted on , firearm and charges.

A multi-year drug investigation in Central Wisconsin has successfully concluded.

According to the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Chadwick M. Elgersma, said officers with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a and cocaine trafficking organization led by Tommie L. Haney and Quo Vadis Lewis operating in in February 2022.

The investigation involved the seizure of drug-laden packages from the mail, 32 controlled purchases of narcotics and search warrants executed at residences. As part of the investigation, officers seized over 12 kilograms of cocaine, 285 grams of crack cocaine, 6 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of marijuana, 14 firearms, and $47,405.

Haney and Lewis, the leaders of the conspiracy, were sentenced to 14 years and 12 ½ years respectively.

“This outcome is the result of years of dedication, coordination, and trust among our law enforcement partners. I want to thank all the agents from around the state who worked tirelessly to identify and hold this criminal organization accountable for distributing large quantities of dangerous narcotics in our communities,” Elgersma said. “Their collective efforts stand as a powerful example of what can be achieved when federal and state agencies work together.”

In addition to Haney and Lewis, the following defendants were sentenced as part of the federal prosecution:

  • Lawrence E. Lavergne, 44, Wausau, was sentenced in June 2023 to 9 years in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release, for distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon.
  • Jaison L. Coleman, 44, Marshfield, was sentenced in October 2024 to 8 ½ years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a felon.
  • Teala L. Kumbera, 29, Schofield, was sentenced in November 2024 to 4 ½ years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
  • Shandel L. Mohr, 33, Marshfield, was sentenced in December 2024 to 12 months and 1 day in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.
  • Troy C. Olsen, 51, Wausau, was sentenced in January 2025 to 5 1/2 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.
  • Craig C. Gates, 48, Wausau, was sentenced in January 2025 to more than 8 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for possessing cocaine intended for distribution and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
  • Johntay L. Johnson, 41, Wausau, was sentenced in September 2025 to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for maintaining a drug-involved premises, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon and distributing cocaine.
  • Samuel A. Teague, 43, Wausau, was sentenced in January 2026 to 8 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
  • Travis L. Ingram, 38, Mosinee, was sentenced in March 2026 to more than 4 years in federal prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises and money laundering.
  • Markqui R. White, 39, Weston, was sentenced in March 2026 to 5 years and 8 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release, for distributing cocaine, maintaining a drug-involved premises and money laundering.

A fourteenth defendant, Shelby Gutch, 31, Neillsville, entered into a 24-month diversion agreement in January 2025 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine.

The charges against these individuals were the result of an investigation conducted by the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, IRS Criminal Investigation and the Marshfield Police Department. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson, Corey C. Stephan and Daniel R. Humble (Eastern District of Wisconsin) prosecuted these cases.

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