Defendants Sentenced for Conspiracy to Distribute Methamphetamine and Gun Possession

Green Bay, WI – In a recent move to crack down on the drug trade, United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced that five residents of Green Bay recently were sentenced by the Honorable Chief Judge William C. Griesbach following their guilty pleas to the charge of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

The defendants, all of whom reside in Green Bay, were sentenced as follows: Konkapot Betz, 26, received 12 years’ prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release; John Otto, 36, received 10 years’ prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release; Alex Pociopa, 27, received 64 months’ prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release; Cole Rittenhouse, 25, received 10 years’ prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release; and Mariah Becker, 26, received 5 years’ prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The sentences for Betz and Otto also were based in part on their possession of firearms. According to plea agreements and other court documents, on November 10, 2018, Ashwaubenon Public Safety responded to an apartment to serve arrest warrants on Pociopa and Becker. Both fled into the apartment. When law enforcement made entry, Rittenhouse and Betz were found hiding in a bedroom in the apartment. A search of the bedroom revealed two handguns, $1,178 in U.S. currency, two digital scales, and a baggie containing 426 gabapentin pills. Elsewhere in the apartment, law enforcement found a total of 60 grams of methamphetamine.

The Brown County Drug Task Force reviewed calls and text messages found on Betz’s phone. Those messages confirmed that Betz sold methamphetamine and heroin to Pociopa, Becker, Rittenhouse, and others. The messages also identified John Otto as Betz’s supplier.

This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and Ashwaubenon Public Safety. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Roach.

The sentences handed down to these defendants are a stark reminder of the consequences of getting caught in the crosshairs of the law. As the city of Green Bay continues to grapple with the scourge of methamphetamine, it is clear that those responsible will be held accountable.

It is worth noting that the investigation and prosecution of this case were a team effort. The dedication and expertise of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors like William Roach are to be commended.

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