William Wayne Ray Schubel, 33, has been sentenced to 140 months in federal prison and five years of supervised release after being convicted for distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine and illegally possessing firearms. The sentence was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson.
“A four-time felon who chose to poison our communities is now going to federal prison for more than a decade,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “Methamphetamine is one of the deadliest forces eating away at Minnesota’s neighborhoods. We will keep putting major dealers behind bars until our communities are free from this poison.”
Schubel was identified by law enforcement as a high-volume methamphetamine dealer. A confidential informant observed him with five pounds of methamphetamine, each individually packaged, and overheard discussions about receiving fifty pounds.
On January 10, 2024, search warrants were executed at Schubel’s two residences in Oak Grove and Anoka, Minnesota. At his Oak Grove home, authorities found 746 grams of methamphetamine and 220 grams of cocaine inside a backpack with a digital scale. Police also discovered twelve firearms, ammunition, firearm accessories, and a loaded Glock .40 caliber pistol under Schubel's pillow that tested positive for his DNA.
At the Anoka apartment, law enforcement found an additional five grams of methamphetamine along with equipment related to drug packaging.
Schubel was arrested the same day in his vehicle carrying $2,378 in cash and a cellphone. Examination of his phone revealed messages offering various controlled substances for sale using code names in different quantities.
Messages on the device also showed Schubel discussing selling drugs while acknowledging potential legal consequences. He wrote about deleting his messenger app because “the Feds can find it and look at that shit."
Schubel has four prior felony convictions: one for domestic assault by strangulation and three related to drug distribution or possession. Due to these prior convictions, he is legally barred from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The case was investigated by the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn.
Schubel received his sentence before District Judge John R. Tunheim in U.S. District Court.
