MADISON, WI—John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jerry Kong Vang, 37, Burnett County, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 120 months in prison, to be followed by four years of supervised release, for his role in a conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Vang previously pleaded guilty to possession with intent to distribute more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and knowingly and intentionally possessing a Glock .40 caliber pistol in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime.

In 2012, an Organized Drug Enforcement Task Force led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and comprised of federal, state, and local investigators began investigating the importation and distribution of methamphetamine in Polk and Burnett Counties, Wis.

On March 30, 2015, Vang’s vehicle was stopped by law enforcement. During a search of the vehicle, officers located a baggie containing approximately 13 ounces of methamphetamine, packaging material consistent with drug distribution, digital scales, and a Glock .40 caliber pistol magazine containing eight live rounds. Vang had the Glock .40 caliber pistol on his person.

Judge Peterson indicated on the record that Vang deserved a significant sentence of 10 years due to the “devastating impact methamphetamine has on people.”

U.S. Attorney Vaudreuil praised the outstanding cooperation among all law enforcement agencies involved in addressing the problem of methamphetamine use in northwest Wisconsin.

In addition to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Task Force included the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Polk, Burnett, and Washburn County Sheriffs’ Departments; the St. Croix Valley Drug Task Force; and the St. Croix Tribal Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Anderson.