Holmen Felon Sentenced to 8 Years for Trafficking Methamphetamine & Illegal Gun Possession | USAO-WDWI

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Legal professional for the Western District of Wisconsin, declared that Benjamin T. Devine, 35, Holmen, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Decide William M. Conley to 8 decades in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or far more of methamphetamine, possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or extra of methamphetamine, and currently being a felon in possession of a firearm.  This jail expression will be adopted by 4 many years of supervised launch.  Devine pleaded guilty to this demand on March 8, 2022.

On August 5, 2021, La Crosse Police Division (LCPD) officers purchased 53.6 grams of methamphetamine from Devine by a confidential informant (CI) in Onalaska, Wisconsin.

On August 16, 2021, LCPD arranged the obtain of an ounce of methamphetamine and a .22 caliber handgun from Devine via a CI.  When the CI achieved with Devine, he did not have the handgun with him, so Devine bought a larger sized quantity of methamphetamine instead, totaling 55.2 grams.  Later on that working day, LCPD officers executed many search warrants linked to Devine.  Devine’s car or truck was pulled more than and searched.  He had $2,105 in funds in his pocket which involved prerecorded invest in income from the managed purchase before that working day.  In Devine’s motor vehicle, officers uncovered a total of 397.7 grams of methamphetamine and $5,152 in cash. 

At Devine’s residence in Holmen, officers found a Phoenix Arms .22 caliber handgun, a drug ledger, and a tiny quantity of methamphetamine.  Officers uncovered two packing containers of ammunition at a storage locker managed by Devine.  Devine’s DNA was recognized on the Phoenix Arms handgun.

Devine was interviewed by LCPD officers afterwards that day.  He admitted to providing methamphetamine for yrs.  He commonly ordered lbs of methamphetamine.  Devine realized he was a convicted felon and could not legally have a firearm.

At the time of these gatherings, Devine was on condition supervision for methamphetamine trafficking and becoming a felon in possession of a firearm.  His condition supervision was revoked and he is at this time serving a sentence of 1 12 months, 5 months, and 25 days in point out prison.  Choose Conley requested this federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of Devine’s state prison sentence. 

At sentencing, Decide Conley highlighted that Devine returned to drug dealing soon after currently being released from point out prison for a equivalent offense.  Judge Conley also mentioned Devine’s prior background of possessing weapons.

The costs against Devine ended up the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse, Onalaska, and Prairie du Chien Police Departments, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcoholic beverages, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Place of work also presented aid in the circumstance.  Assistant U.S. Lawyer Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this situation.