MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Seth Strand, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
On Jan. 22, 2020, Strand was a passenger in a Ford Explorer that was pulled over by the Wisconsin State Patrol in La Crosse County. Troopers arrested Strand after being notified of a felony arrest warrant for him. Troopers searched the Explorer and found a safe behind the passenger seat. Troopers found a key to the safe on the key chain for the Explorer. A search of the safe revealed approximately 407 grams of methamphetamine. During a post-arrest interview, Strand admitted he intended to sell the methamphetamine to several individuals in La Crosse County.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley noted that the Strand has an extensive criminal history including four felony drug trafficking convictions since 2013. Judge Conley also noted that the sentence was appropriate because Strand was in possession of nearly one pound of methamphetamine while on state supervision for two separate methamphetamine trafficking convictions in La Crosse County.
The charge against Strand was a result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
