WAUSAU, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – Officials have announced federal drug charges against 16 people connected to a Wausau-area methamphetamine distribution ring.
The U.S. Department of Justice says the arrests came after a long term investigation between November, 2018 and June, 2019 by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force.
Over a dozen of those charged were from Wisconsin, including four from Marathon County: Kai Chang, 28; David Castillo-Lopez, 30; Mai Xiong, 32; and Par Y. Her, 61.
Also charged in the ase are: Lisa Xiong, 31, Chou Xiong, 36, Soua Khang, 23, Ya Yang, 31, John Gates, 49, Chai Thao, 34, Sandy Vang, 49, Ger Moua, 31, Vang C. Yang, 26, Meng Xiong, 26, Dao Thao, 39, and Chong Chueneng Moua, 51, were also charged.
The Marathon and Lincoln County Sheriff’s’ Offices, Wausau PD and Everest Metro Police assisted in the case. The FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration, and The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives assisted.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution of those facing federal charges. Marathon County Assistant District Attorney Kyle Mayo is handling the prosecution of those facing state charges.
