A 31-year-old Milwaukee resident is now facing seven felony charges related to a drug raid. Four others were charged as well. According to reports, the investigation started in January after an informant told police that the man was selling crack. Police set up multiple deals with four of the five charged during the investigation, and a search of a house was conducted on Feb. 25.
During the search, police found six people, including three who were in the process of leaving the residence when police knocked down the door. According to reports, police allegedly found evidence of crack cocaine being made in the kitchen, 6.2 grams of heroin, synthetic marijuana and $5,500 in cash. According to a statement given to police, the 31-year-old man traveled to Milwaukee and Chicago to pick up drugs as part of a partnership with a 34-year-old man who was on electronic monitoring.
The 31-year-old — who has six prior felony convictions — was charged with seven felonies, including conspiracy to manufacture and deliver cocaine and heroin. The 34-year-old was charged with nine felonies. Both men were sent to jail on $50,000 bond each. A 36-year-old West Salem man was jailed on a $5,000 bond and charged with two counts of conspiracy to manufacture or deliver cocaine. Two others were charged with two counts each and released on signature bonds. The sixth person found in the house during the search was not charged.
The legality of the search warrant and the search and seizure process are likely to be of interest to the defense representation in these cases. The fact that some of the persons charged also had prior offenses may also play into the defense strategy. Prior drug offenses can have an effect on the possible penalties and amount of jail time the accused may be facing, and a criminal law attorney can provide more information on the possible defense options.
Source: La Crosse Tribune, “Five charged in South Side drug raid” Chris Hubbuch, Feb. 28, 2014
