Drug Ring Investigation in Milwaukee Leads to 11 Arrests

 Posted on February 06, 2025 in Drug Charges

A group known as Free Gram Enterprises has been under investigation in Milwaukee since June 2023. On the morning of January 29, 2025, 12 search warrants were executed, and suspects were arrested. During the arrests, several ounces of fentanyl, one kilogram of cocaine, and 12 guns were recovered. A 3D printer and a ghost gun were also found in one of the suspect’s homes.

Several defendants were caught through wiretaps, but because the 117-page criminal complaint is sealed, further details are not yet available. According to prosecutors, Free Gram Enterprises is involved in the sale of heroin, methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl throughout Milwaukee County.

Drug charges in Wisconsin can be very serious, particularly when guns are also involved. If you have been charged with possession or distribution of fentanyl, it is extremely important that you speak to a knowledgeable Milwaukee, WI criminal defense lawyer who will work to minimize the adverse effects of the charges by building a strong defense on your behalf.

Wisconsin Fentanyl Charges

Under Wisconsin drug laws (961.14(2)(nd)), a person in possession of ten grams or less of fentanyl (or any of its analogs) will be charged with a Class E felony. A person in possession of more than ten grams but not more than 50 grams will be charged with a Class D felony.

A person in possession of more than 50 grams of fentanyl will be charged with a Class C felony. A person who is charged with manufacturing, distribution, or delivering fentanyl or a fentanyl analog can be charged with a Class E felony.  

What Are the Penalties for Fentanyl Possession?

A Class E felony conviction in Wisconsin can result in a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison, up to $50,000 in fines, or both. The 15 years is generally broken down into 10 years of prison confinement and five years of extended supervision. A Class D felony conviction in Wisconsin can result in a maximum penalty of up to 25 years in state prison, a maximum fine of $100,000, or both.

A Class C felony conviction in the state can result in up to 40 years in state prison and a maximum fine of $100,000, or both. Under Wisconsin civil asset forfeiture laws, authorities can seize any property that is marginally connected to illegal activity – in this case, drug possession. Cash, cars, and even a home can be seized if the state can prove it has a connection to the drugs.

The Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction

While the legal penalties for a felony conviction in the state are harsh enough, those who are convicted of a felony may also face the following collateral consequences after serving their time:

• The loss of employment or the inability to secure employment.
• Prohibition from possessing a firearm or bulletproof armor.
• Non-citizens may be deported.
• The inability to receive federal student financial aid for higher education.
• The inability to receive certain federal health, welfare, and housing benefits.
• Revocation of a driver’s license for at least six months for a drug offense conviction.
• The inability to obtain a professional license or bond.

Defenses to Possession of Fentanyl

While the specific defense will depend on the facts and circumstances of the case, some defenses are more commonly used. An unlawful search and seizure challenge can be made when there is not a proper warrant or no reasonable cause to conduct a search. Another defense is that the drugs do not belong to the defendant and that he or she had no idea they were present.

Just because a drug looks like a certain type of drug does not mean it is. The prosecution must show that a seized substance is an illicit drug by sending it to the crime lab for analysis. A criminal defense attorney can then raise questions regarding errors or discrepancies in the testing method or the analysis report.  

Contact a Waukesha County, WI Drug Crimes Attorney

If you are facing fentanyl possession charges or other drug charges, it is important that you speak to a Waukesha, WI drug crimes lawyer from Bucher, Wolff & Sonderhouse, LLP as quickly as possible. We are available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, for your convenience. Call 262-232-6699 to schedule your free consultation.