Sheboygan, WI (WHBL) – Sheboygan County Sheriff Todd Priebe says a spate of high-profile drug busts in Sheboygan are the direct result of community activism - neighbors paying attention to their surroundings and keeping an eye out for potential criminal activity.
“I think what we’re seeing is our citizens getting involved and willing to provide information that assists us with the investigations. That is extremely important for our success and it helps to expedite our investigation, and the process of shutting down a drug house,” Priebe says.
The recent arrests of three people at a home on High Avenue are the latest in a string of drug busts conducted by the Sheboygan County MEG Unit.
31-year-old Tristan J Windorski is charged with maintaining a drug trafficking place as well as possession of a controlled substance, possession of THC, and possession of drug paraphernalia. 34-year-old Wayne L Rogers Junior is charged with possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of THC. 24-year-old Jessica G Reyes is charged with possession of drug paraphernalia and felony bail jumping.
On September 4, 2015, officers arrested 52-year-old Candee L Warren of 1119 N. 14th Street following a months-long investigation into the sale of crack cocaine from her home. Warren is facing one count of maintaining a drug trafficking place, as a party to a crime.
On July 31, 2015, Sheboygan police arrested 32-year-old Chelsea Walloch of 1345 Winter Court on numerous drug-related charges including; maintaining a drug trafficking place, possession of narcotic drugs, and possession of controlled substances.
All three drug busts result from concerned citizens tipping off cops about suspected drug deals taking place in their neighborhoods. Sheriff Priebe says it is a clear indication that some Sheboygan residents have had enough.
“I think people still fear retaliation, however I think for some folks in some neighborhoods it finally gets to that point where they want their neighborhoods back, and they’re standing up and they are willing to get involved for the quality of life that they want for their neighborhoods-realizing that if something is going to be done, they have to help the police.”
The sheriff says that when it comes to stopping the flow of illegal drugs into Sheboygan, there is no magic bullet because pinpointing the outside source of trafficking can be difficult.
“It kind of depends on the drug. It used to be that methamphetamine was coming from the Twin Cities and it would make its way towards Green Bay, and then eventually down to us. That used to also be the heroin route. But now that the heroin prescription drugs are more prevalent, it’s very possible that we’re getting most of this from Chicago, Racine, and Kenosha. Ecstasy was coming out of the Twin Cities at one point years ago, and during that same time cocaine and crack were coming from Milwaukee.”
Priebe says law enforcement agencies continue efforts to crack down on drug activity, but it is the direct involvement of citizens that is credited for shutting down recently discovered operations.