Seven People in Charged in Drug-Trafficking Conspiracy in Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Matthew D. Krueger, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that seven defendants have been charged in federal court with offenses related to a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and other controlled substances in the Sheboygan area.

The defendants charged in this case reside in the following cities in Wisconsin:

A federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Irwin Sosa, Omar Sosa, Beasley, Hoem, Massey, McAtee, and Waite with conspiracy to possess a controlled substance with the intent to distribute, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) (1), (b)(1)(A) and 846.  If convicted of this charge, the defendants face a mandatory minimum imprisonment of 10 years and up to life; $10,000,000 fine; minimum five years supervised release up to life; and a $100 special assessment.

The indictment alleges that between approximately June 1, 2018, and December 31, 2019, the defendants conspired to distribute controlled substances.  As alleged, the offense involved 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, cocaine, and marijuana.

Two of the co-conspirators, Omar Sosa and Beasley, were also charged with discharging a firearm in relation to drug trafficking crime 18 U.S.C. § 924(c) (1)(A)(iii) & 2.  If convicted of this charge, the defendants face ten years mandatory minimum sentence up to life imprisonment, $250,000 fine, a $100 mandatory special assessment, and five years supervised release.           

One of the co-conspirators, McAtee, was also charged with possession of a firearm by a felon 18 U.S.C. §§ 922(g)(1) & 924(a)(2). If convicted of this charge the defendant faces ten years imprisonment; $250,000 fine; at least three years supervised release; $100 special assessment.

“The combination of drug trafficking and firearms is often lethal and altogether too common,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger.  “I commend the outstanding collaboration between the local, state, and federal agencies that built this case.”

“The DEA recently expanded its operation to include the Sheboygan area.  These indictments show how even newly formed law enforcement partnerships can quickly be effective in the fight against drug trafficking.” said DEA Milwaukee District Office Assistant Special Agent in Charge Paul E. Maxwell, Jr.

“Fighting the drug epidemic requires taking down large drug trafficking organizations that are supplying dangerous narcotics to members of our communities who are battling substance-use disorder. The coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal law enforcement led to the federal charges that are being announced today,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul.                             

The defendants were charged based on joint investigation by law enforcement officers from the Drug Enforcement Administration; the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Sheboygan County Multi-Jurisdictional Enforcement Group (MEG Unit),  the Milwaukee Police Department, the Sheboygan Police Department; and the Sheboygan County District Attorney’s Office, the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, the Manitowoc County Metro Drug Unit, the Manitowoc Sheriff’s Department, and the Grand Chute Police Department.  This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mario F. Gonzales.

The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

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