MADISON, WI (WSAU) — A 46-year-old Wausau man was sentenced to nearly nine years in federal prison for his role in a large drug trafficking ring in Central Wisconsin.
Craig C. Gates was sentenced to 106 months in federal prison, or eight years and ten months. Charges stem from Gates’ involvement in a large cocaine and methamphetamine distribution ring based in Wausau.
Investigators determined Gates was a frequent source of cocaine for the ring, leading to a search of his home in June 2023. They found 420 grams of cocaine, a 9 MM handgun, and more than $11,000 in cash.
Gates later admitted that he had been selling cocaine for “a long time.” He added that Quo Vadis Lewis was a friend and frequent customer. Lewis, who was seen as the leader of the drug ring, was recently sentenced to 12.5 years in prison for his role.
RELATED: Wausau Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Drug, Firearms Charges
At sentencing, Judge William Conley Conley noted that Gates was identified as a primary source of cocaine for Quo Vadis Lewis and other distributors. Judge Conley highlighted the many aggravating factors in the case, including the large amount of cocaine recovered, the loaded firearm, Gates’s lengthy criminal history including violence, and his being on supervision for five cases while trafficking cocaine.
Another man, Troy Olsen, was sentenced to just over three years in prison for his role as a distributor. Tommie Haney, Edwin Lewis, and Samuel A. Teague have all pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming months.
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