MADISON, WI (WSAU) — Two more members of a locally based meth trafficking ring have been federally sentenced.
Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson federally sentenced Lisa Xiong, 33, and John Gates, 51 in the past week for their involvement in a methamphetamine conspiracy. Xiong was sentenced to 13 years in federal prison for her role as the leader in the trafficking ring while Gates was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison for his role as a source of money for the operation.
Prosecutors say from November 2018 through June 2019, Xiong made numerous trips to Minnesota to pick up pound quantities of almost pure methamphetamine. She oversaw at least 10 people in the Wausau area who distributed the meth on her behalf. Law enforcement agents seized almost 5 pounds of methamphetamine in connection with the investigation, though agents believe the conspiracy was responsible for well over 10 pounds.
Investigators said Gates promised Xiong thousands of dollars to contribute towards pounds of methamphetamine during his role in the conspiracy and Xiong considered him a trusted source of money. During sentencing, the judge acknowledged that though Gates is an addict, he was a fairly sophisticated dealer who was a step-up from a street-level dealer. Judge Peterson also acknowledged that Xiong used multiple methamphetamine addicts to insulate her from police detection by dealing for her and collecting money.
Ten individuals were federally indicted by the grand jury in September of 2019 for their involvement in the trafficking ring. Three other members have been sentenced including Meng Xiong, of Wausau, sentenced to 5 years on June 12, 2020, Chou Xiong, of Wausau, sentenced to 78 months on December 8, 2020, and Soua Khang, of Wisconsin Rapids, sentenced to 7 years on December 9, 2020.
