MADISON, WIS. -- Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mark W. Lewis, 57, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, was sentenced on October 26 by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 48 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. Lewis pleaded guilty to this charge on July 20, 2018.
Lewis was arrested twice while operating a vehicle in the summer of 2016 with quantities of methamphetamine. During one of these arrests, he possessed a loaded firearm.
Judge Peterson found that Lewis was responsible for over 98 grams of methamphetamine. Judge Peterson noted that this was a serious crime and the substantial term of imprisonment is necessary to deter the defendant, to send a message to society, and to protect the public from drug dealers.
The charge against Lewis was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Washburn and Sawyer County Sheriffs’ Departments. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Halverson.
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Rice Lake Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Mark W. Lewis, 55, Rice Lake, Wis., is charged with two counts of possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed methamphetamine on August 12 and September 21, 2016. The indictment further alleges that on September 21, 2016, he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.
The indictment also charges Lewis with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on August 12, 2016, he possessed a .22 caliber handgun.
If convicted, Lewis faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the first drug charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces a mandatory penalty of five years on the possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge. Federal law requires that this penalty be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug charge.
The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Washburn and Sawyer County Sheriffs’ Departments, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard.
Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Last Update: Nov 02, 2018 8:34 am CDT
