Joshua Clarke, Methamphetamine Crime, Wisconsin 2019

A Richland Center man is facing the music after a string of crimes left him with a hefty prison sentence. Joshua Clarke, 31, was sentenced to 90 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

In November 2018, an officer from the Richland Center Police stopped a car for a traffic violation. While talking with the passenger, who officers subsequently identified as Clarke, they observed behavior indicative of someone high on methamphetamine. Officers then arrested Clarke on an outstanding warrant.

During a subsequent search, officers found 35 grams of methamphetamine on Clarke, which was later tested by the Drug Enforcement Administration and found to be 100% pure.

Clarke pleaded guilty to the charge on April 26, 2019. The charge against Clarke was the result of an investigation conducted by the Richland Center Police, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, Richland County District Attorney’s Office, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration.

The prosecution of the case has been handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma. During sentencing, Judge William M. Conley highlighted Clarke’s extensive criminal history, as well as the methamphetamine’s purity level.

‘Clarke saw the tremendous effect of the drug as a methamphetamine user, but still decided to sell it to members of the community,’ Judge Conley noted. The court has made it clear that selling narcotics is a serious offense and will be dealt with accordingly.

Clarke’s sentence is a harsh reminder that law enforcement is working tirelessly to keep our communities safe. The efforts of the Richland Center Police Department, Richland County Sheriff’s Office, and other agencies involved in the investigation are commendable.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/richland-center-man-sentenced-90-months-methamphetamine-crime