An investigation by several law enforcement agencies including the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office has led to federal indictments against four individuals involved in methamphetamine distribution.
Andrew Nelson, 31, and Karen Zais, 48, both of Merrill, are charged with conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated from January to June 2014, and that Nelson and Zais possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on June 4, 2014.
If convicted, Nelson and Zais face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison on the conspiracy count. They face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years on the possession with intent to distribute count. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Special Investigations Unit; Wausau Police Department; and IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber.
Wausau residents charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute
Patrick Keenan, 29, of Wausau, and Jaimie Pankow, 32, of Wausau and formerly of Merrill, are charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that they possessed the methamphetamine on Feb. 28, 2016.
Keenan and Pankow were originally charged in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Madison on Feb. 29, 2016. The complaint alleged that methamphetamine was found in a vehicle operated by the defendants following a traffic stop on Feb. 28, 2016, by a Marathon County Sheriff’s Deputy on State Highway 29. Keenan and Pankow made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison on March 1, and they were detained in federal custody. Their arraignment is scheduled for March 15.
If convicted, Keenan and Pankow face a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against them is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Drug Enforcement Administration; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Special Investigations Unit; Wausau Police Department; and IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber.