Jessica L. Colby, a 29-year-old resident of Stratford, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. The sentencing was announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, and took place today before U.S. District Judge William M. Conley. Following her prison term, Colby will also serve three years of supervised release. She entered a guilty plea to the charge on January 31 of this year.
Authorities from the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began their investigation in early 2024, targeting a group distributing methamphetamine and cocaine in Marathon County. Colby was recognized as a facilitator within this organization. The investigation led to a search of a residence Colby shared with co-defendant Joshua Lake. Officers confiscated approximately two kilograms of methamphetamine, one kilogram of cocaine, two rifles, over $24,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and drug trafficking paraphernalia.
Further evidence showed that from January 22 to April 15, 2024, Colby played a crucial role in distributing about 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and six kilograms of cocaine. She picked up and delivered drug shipments and made payments to cartel-linked sources. Colby also admitted to having her own clientele for drug distribution.
Judge Conley considered the seriousness of Colby’s actions, alongside her clean criminal history and positive behavior under pretrial release, before handing down her sentence.
Three others involved in the drug trafficking conspiracy face charges. Mercadys Perkins received a six-year federal prison sentence, and Dustin Brunker was sentenced to seven years, both for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Joshua Lake has pleaded guilty and awaits sentencing.
The investigation against Colby was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, which includes personnel from several local law enforcement entities. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force contributed to the case as well. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson served as the prosecutor.
