MADISON, WI – Roxanne E. Rankin, 52, of Minneapolis, Minnesota, is headed to federal prison after receiving a 72-month sentence today for a brazen methamphetamine deal gone wrong. Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson handed down the sentence, followed by a 48-month supervised release, after Rankin pleaded guilty on August 26, 2022, to distributing 50 grams or more of the highly addictive drug.
The bust unfolded on December 6, 2021, when officers from the West Central Drug Task Force orchestrated a controlled purchase of one pound of methamphetamine. A confidential informant was used to negotiate with Rankin, who initially agreed to deliver half a pound, with the remainder to follow after payment. Rankin drove across state lines from Minnesota to a pre-arranged meeting point in Hudson, Wisconsin, carrying 222 grams of meth in a bag. She exchanged the drugs for $4,000.
The transaction didn’t end there. As Rankin attempted to drive away, law enforcement moved in, pulling her over and taking her into custody. Adding insult to injury, Rankin was already on probation in Minnesota at the time of the offense – a clear disregard for the law and a pattern of criminal behavior. This wasn’t her first rodeo with federal charges.
During sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted two key factors that contributed to the severity of the punishment. Rankin has a prior federal conviction from 2002 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine. This established a clear history of involvement in serious drug trafficking. Furthermore, Peterson emphasized the devastating impact that drug trafficking has on communities, making it clear that such actions will not be tolerated.
“This case demonstrates the relentless effort of the West Central Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration to dismantle drug trafficking operations that poison our communities,” stated U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin. The investigation was a collaborative effort between the two agencies, showcasing the importance of interagency cooperation in combating drug crime.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted the case, securing the conviction and ultimately the 72-month sentence. Rankin’s case serves as a stark reminder that those who profit from the misery of others will face the full weight of the law. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and others like it, bringing the truth about federal crime to light.
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- Minnesota Woman Sentenced to Seven Years for Meth Distribution · Wisconsin
- Chippewa Falls Man Gets 10-Year Sentence for Meth Trafficking · Wisconsin
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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