A Green Bay man was sentenced to multiple life terms for his role in a massive fentanyl trafficking operation that resulted in one death and two overdoses.
David L. Shanks Jr., 37, was sentenced to life in prison on December 3, 2018, by Chief District Judge William C. Griesbach for his role in the conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine.
Shanks was convicted by a jury in September 2018 of conspiring to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 846 and 841(b)(1)(A). As a result of his prior convictions, Shanks received a mandatory life term of imprisonment as required by federal law.
Shanks was also sentenced to life prison terms on three other counts, including the distribution of heroin/fentanyl/methamphetamine resulting in death, and the distribution of heroin/fentanyl resulting in substantial bodily injury to two overdose victims.
The trial evidence established that between August and October of 2017, Shanks was the leader of a conspiracy involved in the daily sale of heroin, laced with fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Shanks’ sale of heroin/fentanyl resulted in the overdose death of one individual on September 10, 2017. Shanks also was responsible for the sale of heroin/fentanyl that resulted in the overdose of two other individuals on September 22, 2017.
Cooperating witnesses testified that Shanks was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and meth in the greater Green Bay and Iron Mountain, Michigan, area. Witnesses described seeing Shanks with baseball-sized quantities of heroin and $5,000 stacks of money, which were proceeds from drug sales.
The case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Green Bay Field Office, Green Bay Police Department, and Green Bay Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Roach and Zachary Corey.
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Category: Drug Trafficking
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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