The Sconi

Nathanial Johnson, a 34-year-old resident of Hayward, Wisconsin, was sentenced to seven years in federal prison for methamphetamine trafficking. The sentencing was announced by Chadwick Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. Johnson pleaded guilty to possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution.

The case stems from an incident on August 5, 2024, when law enforcement discovered Johnson in his camper with multiple individuals present to purchase methamphetamine. Upon attempting to flee the scene, Johnson dropped a bag containing drugs. Inside the camper, authorities found over 329 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, $1,400 in cash, and items associated with drug distribution. Additionally, five bindles containing fentanyl were discovered along with other bags totaling approximately 15 grams.

Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson expressed concerns about Johnson's criminal history and his repeated failures while under community supervision. Judge Peterson noted that Johnson posed an increased risk due to his escalation to larger-scale drug dealing and emphasized the need for public protection given Johnson's tendency to return to drug use and evade law enforcement.

The investigation leading to Johnson's charge involved multiple agencies: the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, City of Hayward Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted the case.