Wisconsin Drug Trafficking Leader Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

A 31-year-old Wisconsin man who led a statewide drug trafficking operation has been sentenced to 12 years in federal prison. Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson handed down the sentence on Thursday, holding Angel Flores of Portage accountable for his role in distributing large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine throughout the region.

According to Timothy M. O’Shea, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Flores attempted to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine for distribution. He pleaded guilty to the charge in December 2024.

Investigation and Sentencing

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) launched an investigation in 2022 into a large-scale drug trafficking network operating across Madison, Portage, and La Crosse.

Authorities intercepted phone calls between Flores and a California-based supplier, discovering that he had been receiving and distributing multiple kilograms of cocaine and significant amounts of methamphetamine.

Several individuals connected to the operation have also been sentenced:

Braulio Martinez-Salazar – 3 years
Luis Angel Rios – 9 years
David Junius – 7 years
Justin Purdy – 8 years
Juan Ojeda – 1 year

Drug Trafficking Operation

In January 2023, authorities tracked Juan Ojeda traveling to Chicago at Flores’ request to meet with a supplier’s contact from California. Ojeda transported 12 kilograms of cocaine into Wisconsin. The following month, law enforcement intercepted phone communications and seized additional cocaine shipments en route from Arizona to Illinois.

Judge’s Remarks

Judge Peterson emphasized the severity of the case, highlighting that Flores had trafficked significant amounts of drugs into Wisconsin over an extended period. He noted that the sentence was meant to send a clear message that such high-level drug dealing would not be tolerated in the district.

With Flores and his associates now behind bars, law enforcement officials hope this case serves as a deterrent to future drug trafficking operations in the region.