Nathanial Johnson, a 34-year-old resident of Hayward, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The sentencing was announced by Chadwick Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Johnson's arrest occurred on August 5, 2024, when law enforcement discovered him in his camper along with several drug customers. Attempting to flee the scene, Johnson tripped and dropped a bag of drugs near his foot. Inside the camper, authorities found over 329 grams of methamphetamine, a digital scale, more than $1,400 in cash, and other items associated with drug distribution. Additionally, they discovered five bindles containing fentanyl and further bags of fentanyl totaling approximately 15 grams.
During sentencing, Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson noted Johnson's criminal history and failures under community supervision as significant concerns. "Protection of the public was paramount given Johnson’s practice of frequently returning to drug use and fleeing law enforcement," Judge Peterson stated.
The investigation leading to Johnson's charge involved multiple agencies including 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.
