FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force investigation leads to multiple federal convictions

By Shereen Siewert | Wausau Pilot & Review

Six of eight people charged following an investigation by the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force have received federal prison sentences related to a major drug trafficking scheme that brought pounds of methamphetamine into the area, officials say.

According to a news release issued Wednesday by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department, one additional suspect was indicted and another is due to be sentenced later this year. The latest to be sentenced was Levi Bagne, who will spend 16 years in federal prison for his role of the drug trafficking organization.

Bagne was sentenced on Tuesday.

Police say Bagne was the head of a trafficking organiztion that moved large quantities of methamphetamine from Arizona to Wisconsin. Once the methamphetamine was trafficked into the state, most was distributed by a network in Marathon and Lincoln Counties, officials said.

During the  investigation the task force seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine, $104,000 in cash, several vehicles, a residence and 15 firearms.  

According to the sentencing memo issued by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Bagne’s DTO  was “one of the largest methamphetamine conspiracies seen in the Western District of  Wisconsin in recent memory.” 

Indictments and convictions include:

• Levi Bagne: 16 years Federal Custody 
• Matthew White: 14 years Federal Custody 
• Corey Freyermuth: 8 years Federal Custody 
• TJ Myers: 11 years Federal Custody 
• Jacob Willox: 12 years Federal Custody 
• Krista Sparks: 2.5 years Federal Custody 
• Amy Pehlke: Due to be sentenced in December. 
• Conspirator #8: Indicted, but not yet convicted. 

Member agencies of the CWNTF were aided by the Marathon County District Attorney’s  Office throughout themonths-long investigation.

“The success of the operation is a  direct reflection of the teamwork and commitment demonstrated by federal, state, and  local partners that comprise the CWNTF and demonstrates why such partnerships are important,” Wednesday’s news release reads. “The Marathon County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be part of this team.”