The Jackson County Emergency Response Team teamed up with a La Crosse County investigator and Metropolitan Enforcement Group investigator to carry out a drug warrant on Dec. 17 at around 11:25 p.m. Authorities say that they secured a search warrant after receiving tips that a residence where a child lived was being used to make and distribute methamphetamine.
Investigators claim to have found marijuana, methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, a firearm and several stolen items when they carried out the drug warrant. They also reportedly removed a child from the residence, and the child has been put in protective custody.
After executing the search warrant, police took five people into police custody, but their holding location and bail amounts were not reported. The charges for the five individuals, two women and three men all between 30 and 40 years of age, include various counts of possession of methamphetamine and methamphetamine paraphernalia, receiving stolen items, possession of drug paraphernalia and marijuana and unauthorized possession of a firearm.
Individuals facing criminal charges may be subject to severe penalties such as fines and prison time if they are convicted. However, accused persons may be able to get the charges against them reduced or dropped by arguing that their rights were violated during the search and seizure performed by local authorities.
The prosecutor will have to prove that all persons taken into custody were involved in the alleged manufacture and distribution of drugs; innocent parties may have been mistakenly charged by association, so a criminal defense attorney could help them present evidence to establish their innocence. Even guilty parties, by consulting an attorney, may be able to arrange a plea bargain that reduces their sentence or negotiates for alternative penalties such as rehabilitation or community service.
Source: WEAU, “Several people arrested in Jackson County drug bust”, Lindsay Alowairdi , December 23, 2013