By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review
Wyatt J. Gates, 23, was arrested as part of an investigation that launched in May after a man walked into Night School, 320 Ross Ave. and collapsed. Staff called 911 and officers revived the man, who was allegedly carrying substances that tested positive for methamphetamine and fentanyl.
Police say the man injected what he thought was heroin before entering the establishment. Investigators traced the drug purchase to Gates, who denied selling heroin but told investigators he “serves” methamphetamine.
Officers searched Gates’ home and discovered about 23 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, and other items consistent with storing controlled substances.
Prosecutors on May 9 charged Gates with first-degree recklessly endangering safety, manufacturing or delivering fentanyl, maintaining a drug trafficking place, possessing amphetamine or methamphetamine with intent to deliver, possession of narcotic drugs, possession of drug paraphernalia and bail jumping.
During a plea hearing March 28, Gates was convicted of manufacturing or delivering fentanyl and of possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver. All other charges were dismissed but read into the record for sentencing purposes.
Circuit Judge Greg Strasser ordered a presentencing investigation be completed prior to determining punishment for Gates, who is incarcerated at the Racine Youthful Offender Correctional Facility in Racine, serving a sentence connected to a prior conviction.
Gates will learn his sentence June 12 in Marathon County Circuit Court.
