Louis A. Ray, Distributing Cocaine, Wisconsin 2023

MADISON, WI – Two La Crosse men are facing serious federal charges after a grand jury returned indictments Wednesday, alleging their involvement in a drug trafficking operation. Louis A. Ray, 46, and Timothy A. Cannon, 35, both of La Crosse, are accused of flooding the streets with deadly fentanyl and cocaine, according to federal prosecutors.

The indictment details that Louis A. Ray is charged with three counts of distributing cocaine. Both Ray and Cannon face four counts of distributing fentanyl, with two of those counts alleging they moved at least 40 grams of the potent opioid. The feds aren’t messing around – a conviction on those heavier fentanyl counts carries a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years behind bars.

Adding to Cannon’s legal woes, he’s also been charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. Investigators claim these offenses took place between April 19 and July 6. The La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) jointly investigated the case, bringing the pair to the attention of federal prosecutors.

In a separate case, a Mexican national is also in federal custody. Maurillo Mendoza-Vasques, also known as Mauricio Mendoza-Vasquez, 46, was indicted for illegally reentering the United States after being previously removed. Authorities found him in Arcadia, Wisconsin, on July 25. If convicted, Mendoza-Vasques faces a maximum of 10 years in federal prison.

This isn’t a simple immigration violation, sources say; the feds are cracking down on repeat offenders. The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is prosecuting the case. The government reminds the public that an indictment is merely an accusation and that these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor is handling the prosecution of Ray and Cannon. The Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they move through the federal court system. The increasing flow of fentanyl into communities like La Crosse continues to be a major concern for law enforcement, and these indictments represent a direct response to that threat. Expect more federal pressure on drug traffickers in the region.

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