Derek A. Liebergen, Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substances, Wisconsin 2019

Meth Trafficking Bust Rocks Green Bay

A massive methamphetamine seizure in Green Bay has led to federal charges against nine defendants, including Derek A. Liebergen, 26, who is accused of conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime.

On October 8, 2019, a federal grand jury returned a six-count indictment charging Liebergen and eight others with various crimes related to the trafficking of methamphetamine, heroin, and marijuana in the Green Bay area. The indictment also charges some defendants with possession of firearms in furtherance of drug trafficking.

According to a criminal complaint filed in the case, law enforcement executed multiple search warrants in September 2019, including one at a hotel in Outagamie County, resulting in the seizure of approximately 58 pounds of methamphetamine, one kilogram of a white powder later determined to be tramadol, 57 grams of cocaine, 32 marijuana vaping cartridges, marijuana edibles, and $39,215 in U.S. currency. Liebergen rented the hotel room and was arrested in the vicinity of the room, possessing a handgun in the waistband of his pants.

The street value of 58 pounds of methamphetamine is estimated to be $500,000-$750,000 after it is divided for further delivery. The large quantity of methamphetamine seized in this case underscores the real danger posed by the drug and the resolve of law enforcement to combat it.

United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger praised the investigative efforts of federal, state, and local agencies that led to the charges. “Meth is highly addictive and destroys lives,” Krueger said. “We will continue to work together to bring federal charges against drug traffickers to the fullest extent of the law.”

The case is a reminder of the growing concern of methamphetamine trafficking in Wisconsin. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) works daily with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to stem the flow of methamphetamine into the state and hold drug dealers accountable for their disregard for human life and public safety.

The nine defendants charged in the indictment are:

• Derek A. Liebergen, 26, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime
• Malachi J. Root, 29, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime
• Wayne L. Stilen, 39, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime
• Sally A. Miller, 35, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Jeremy M. Ludwig, 32, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Kayla R. Kennedy, 39, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Jasmine L. Gillette, 24, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Christopher S. Ullmer, 22, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances
• Peter F. Thao, 23, conspiracy to distribute controlled substances

Sources: United States Attorney’s Office, Green Bay Police Department, Outagamie County Sheriff’s Department

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