VOODOO HEX BRINGS BAD LUCK TO DRUG RING LEADER

The leader of a Green Bay-Milwaukee drug ring asked a dead relative to
cast a voodoo hex on a probation officer last week but brought bad
fortune only to himself in the form of a 31-year, 2-month prison
sentence for his crimes.

"The letter is pretty clear, counsel," U.S. District Judge Charles N.
Clevert said of the missive from defendant James Sherard that outlined
the sought-after hex. "He is threatening the (probation writer). The
purpose seems to be clear, counsel. The defendant is trying to
intimidate."

Sherard, 56, referred to the probation officer as a "strumpet" in the
letter and said he was seeking help from his great-grandmother, a
voodoo priestess who died in 1952 at the age of 113.

"I have been praying to her to keep you in the best of health," he
wrote to the probation agent. "And that those all around you suffer.
Starting with your last born. This should already be seen by you."

The letter continues: "Don't wonder why and when your baby cries.
Listen to how it cries. I have never called on my great grandmother
out of fear. You would be too if you were on the farm when she died.
All the animals went crazy, the guinea hens came out of the forest and
laid eggs on the steps of the house. And then the rains came. It
rained as if God was trying to cleanse the earth of even the thought
of her. Well, I pray that if any foul beings owe her any favors, let
all debt be settled through you 666."

Assistant U.S. Attorney Mario Gonzales referred to the letter in
seeking a prison term for Sherard - who has had serious health
problems - that could well amount to a life sentence.

The probation agent "has done nothing to deserve this supposed curse,"
Gonzales said.

Sherard, who had three previous convictions related to drug
distribution, pleaded guilty in February to a cocaine conspiracy
charge but then tried to withdraw his plea. At his sentencing last
week, defense lawyer Brendan J. Rowen said his client denied any
involvement in the conspiracy, which resulted in the indictment of
eight people.

"He panicked" when he entered his guilty plea and "gave a plea he
believed to be inaccurate," Rowen said.

Gonzales, however, said other participants in the ring - one of the
biggest ever uncovered in Brown County - identified Sherard as the
leader.

Clevert refused to allow Sherard to withdraw his plea.

"I have no reservations about saying the government has proven its
case," the judge said.

Six other people pleaded guilty to charges in the case and have been
sentenced: Brandy Carreno, sentenced to 100 months imprisonment; Todd
LaTour, 104 months; Darryl Milquette, 110 months; David Ness, 65
months; Stephen Putzlocker, 120 months; and Lyle Rivard, 130 months.

The government alleged that cocaine was taken from Milwaukee to Green
Bay - sometimes several times a week - for distribution there.

Charges against another defendant, Brian Brown, were dismissed at the
request of the government. However, Gonzales said, an investigation
into Brown's activities is continuing. Brown is Sherard's son.