DELLS DRUG ARRESTS NAB 24

WISCONSIN DELLS - Police wrapped up a three-month investigation into
illegal drug sales Thursday, arresting 14 adults and eight juveniles
and predicting that more arrests are likely.

An undercover officer had infiltrated groups of dealers, and search
warrants were executed Thursday at three Dells residences: 912
Broadway, Apt. 4, 901 Capital St. and 521 Church St.

A large number of people were arrested, but the amount of drugs seized
was relatively small. One pound of marijuana and smaller amounts of
cocaine were seized, Wisconsin Dells Police Chief Bret Anderson said.

This was not an arrest of one large group of connected dealers,
Anderson said. With the inroads made by the undercover officer, many
different dealers were identified, he added. The Dells Police
Department just arrested them all at the same time.

"I don't know if I would call them an organized group," Anderson said,
adding none of those arrested were big-time dealers.

Charges range from maintaining a drug-trafficking place, to delivery
and possession of marijuana and cocaine. All suspects are Wisconsin
Dells residents except for one from Baraboo.

Many of the charges involve drug activity within 1,000 feet of Bowman
Park in Wisconsin Dells, which adds a penalty enhancer - and in it the
possibility of an additional five years in prison - onto the charges.

The eight juveniles are facing charges that include delivery of
marijuana, conspiring to deliver drugs, possession of marijuana,
disorderly conduct, theft and discharging bodily fluids at public
safety officers.

One 15-year-old juvenile was held at a detention facility for
delivery, possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy to deliver
illegal drugs. The charges carry 15- to 25-year sentences each.

Ten of those arrested were scheduled to appear in Columbia County
Circuit Court on Friday, but the appearance was delayed until Monday.

The investigation into drug deals in Wisconsin Dells is ongoing,
Anderson said. More arrests are expected almost immediately.

"We're rounding people up as we speak," he said.