Joshua Stein, Methamphetamine Trafficking, Wisconsin 2019

A federal grand jury in Madison has returned an indictment against Joshua Stein, 29, of Cornell, Wisconsin, for his alleged role in a methamphetamine trafficking operation.

The indictment charges Stein with three counts of distributing methamphetamine, with one count alleging distribution of 50 grams or more. Additionally, Stein is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and with possessing two firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that Stein distributed methamphetamine in February 2019, and that on April 8, 2019, he possessed two handguns and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.

If convicted, Stein faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the two counts alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He also faces a maximum of 20 years on the other two drug charges. The charge alleging the possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and federal law requires that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges.

The charges against Stein are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force and the Cornell Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson is prosecuting the case.

Stein's alleged crimes are part of a larger effort to combat methamphetamine trafficking in Wisconsin. The U.S. Justice Department's Project Safe Neighborhoods program, which emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, has been instrumental in this effort.

The indictment serves as a reminder of the dangers of methamphetamine and the importance of addressing this issue in our community. We will continue to follow this case and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/grand-jury-returns-indictments-87