Prison Sentences for California-Based Drug Trafficking Ring That Shipped Methamphetamine to Northeastern Wisconsin
Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that five individuals received sentences after convictions for drug trafficking in the Fox Valley Region of Northeastern Wisconsin. The sentences, imposed by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, were the result of guilty pleas by the five individuals between August 30, 2019, and October 18, 2019:
Defendant | Charge of Conviction | Sentencing date | Months of Prison | Months of Supervised Release |
Tou Lee Xiong, (Age: 45), formerly of Represa, CA | Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine | 11/25/2019 | 240 | 60 |
Blia Lor, (Age: 38) formerly of Appleton, WI | Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine | 11/26/2019 | 115 | 60 |
Meng Xiong, (Age: 43) formerly of Merced, CA | Possession with Intent to Deliver Methamphetamine | 10/10/2019 | 120 | 60 |
Cher Yang, (Age: 31) formerly of Milwaukee, WI | Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine | 12/5/2019 | 60 | 120 |
Gwen Biersteker, (Age: 41) formerly of Seymour, WI | Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine | 3/3/2020 | 60 | 60 |
The investigation revealed that between October 2016 and November 2018, the defendants conspired amongst themselves and with others, and distributed a large quantity of methamphetamine in the Fox Valley region of Northeastern Wisconsin. The defendants and others arranged for shipments of methamphetamine to arrive by car couriers and postal shipments from northern California to Northeastern Wisconsin.
Evidence collected throughout the case suggests the amount of methamphetamine attributable to the group for the period it was active exceeded 100 pounds.
Senior Judge Griesbach pointed out the serious natures of the offenses, and noted the damage to the community caused by the defendants. The sale and distribution of a “poison” required stiff sentences as a deterrent to those who would consider engaging in this sort of activity. Senior Judge Griesbach also pointed out the defendants’ direct and indirect support of violent international drug cartels who perpetrated horrific violence against innocent citizens throughout the United States and elsewhere.
The case was investigated by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, with assistance from the United States Postal Inspection Service, Brown County Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.