Karl L. McKenzie, Sr., 47, Anoka, Minn., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 156 months in federal prison for distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. McKenzie was convicted on June 6, 2017, following a two-day trial in federal court in Madison.
The evidence presented at trial showed that McKenzie was a supplier of methamphetamine to dealers in northwest Wisconsin. He was arrested in Ashland, Wis., on February 5, 2017, after he provided over 877 grams, or almost two pounds, of methamphetamine to an individual there. An analysis of the methamphetamine found it to be 98% pure. McKenzie was indicted by a federal grand jury for this distribution of methamphetamine on February 15.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that McKenzie was the leader of a sophisticated, regional drug distribution operation involving tiered levels of dealers and money laundering. McKenzie will serve five years of supervised release after his prison term.
The charge against McKenzie is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Ashland County Sheriff’s Department; and Ashland Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Last Update: Sep 14, 2017 11:29 am CDT
