Multiple Arrests Made Following Investigation Into Heroin Trafficking

Sawyer County Authorities executed search warrants on four residences.

Multiple Arrests Made Following Investigation Into Heroin Trafficking

SAWYER COUNTY -- The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office in conjunction with the Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, The Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Hayward Police Department have arrested multiple people after a lengthy investigation in to alleged Heroin Trafficking within Sawyer County.

A press release issued by Sawyer County Law Enforcement provides further information and may be read below:

(Press Release) — On 02/14/19, Investigators from the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office executed search warrants on four residences, two residences on Park Road in the Town of Hayward, one residence on Poppletown Road in the Town of Bass Lake and one residence on Bacon Strip in the Town of Hayward.   Assisting with the execution of the search warrants were the Sawyer County SWAT Team, Sawyer County Deputies, the City of Hayward Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Wisconsin Department of Justice/Division of Criminal Investigation.

A three-month investigation into the trafficking and distribution of heroin in Sawyer County begun in November 2018, culminated in the execution of the search warrants. The investigation was conducted by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office and Agents from the Department of Justice/Division of Criminal Investigation.

As a result of the search warrants, 71 grams (2 ½ ounces) of Heroin, 8 grams of methamphetamine, 2 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, two handguns and $1400.00 in cash were seized.  The estimated street value of the seized heroin is $35,000.00.  As a result of the investigation, nine suspects were taken into custody.

  • Richard Gene Saddler, age 27 of the Siren, WI area, was arrested for Possession of Heroin with Intent to Deliver (Felony), Possession of Methamphetamine With Intent to Deliver (Felony) and Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
  • Bryan Keith Sam Jr., age 35 of the Town of Hayward, was arrested for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling (Felony), Possession of Heroin (Felony), Possession of Drug Paraphernalia (Misdemeanor), Bail Jumping and Violation of Probation.
  • Cody Lee Wilson, age 23 of the Stone Lake, WI area, was arrested for five counts of the Delivery of Heroin (Felonies), Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin (Felony) and Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor).
  • Shania Janae Pringle, age 22 of the Town of Hayward, was arrested for two counts of the Delivery of Heroin (Felonies), Possession With intent to Deliver Heroin (Felony) and Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor).
  • Tracey Ann Pringle, age 47 of the Town of Bass Lake, was arrested for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling (Felony) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
  • Jason Forbes Pringle, age 49 of the Town of Bass Lake, was arrested for Maintaining a Drug Dwelling (Felony), Resisting/Obstructing an Officer (Misdemeanor) and Possession of Drug paraphernalia (Misdemeanor).
  • Paul Edward Dust III, age 24 of the Town of Hayward, was arrested for three counts of the Delivery of Heroin (Felonies), Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin (Felony) and Bail Jumping.
  • Casandra Ann Kakazu, age 21 of the Town of Hayward, was arrested for one count of the Delivery of Heroin (Felony), Possession With Intent to Deliver Heroin (Felony), Bail Jumping and Violation of Probation. 
  • Johnson Joseph Browneagle, age 28 of Minneapolis, MN, was arrested for Possession of Marijuana (Misdemeanor) and Arrest Warrants from Sawyer County and Hennepin County (MN).

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice/Division of Criminal Investigation, The City of Hayward Police Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Sawyer County District Attorney’s Office as well as other law enforcement agencies in Sawyer County continue our combined efforts in our mission to protect the citizens of Sawyer County.

Sheriff Douglas Mrotek


Bryan Sam


Cody Wilson


Paul Dut


Shania Pringle


Jason Pringle


Tracey Pringle


Casandra Kakazu


Johnson Browneagle


Richard Sadler


Pursuant to the direction of the Wisconsin Supreme Court, as found in Supreme Court Rule 20:3.6, Trial Publicly, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Last Update: Feb 17, 2019 8:07 am CST

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Crime & Court

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