Fitchburg Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

Madison, Wis. - Timothy M. O'Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin Miner, 37, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Miner pleaded guilty to this charge on August 4, 2021.

Law enforcement agents learned that Miner was distributing heroin and methamphetamine in the Madison area and arranged to purchase methamphetamine from him on October 20, 2020. When agents arrested Miner several days later, they located a variety of drugs on his person, including methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine, and ecstasy pills. Upon searching his residence, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, scales and packaging material, thousands of dollars, a firearm, and multiple rounds of ammunition.

During a post-arrest interview, Miner admitted to selling methamphetamine and heroin and explained that he possessed the gun because he owed a drug debt to a Chicago drug source that had threatened his family. Miner also admitted to being a gang member from Chicago.

During sentencing, Judge Conley described Miner's lengthy criminal history, which included property crimes, crimes against people, drug crimes, and a prior conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. Miner was also on active supervision for drug distribution at the time of his arrest.

The charges against Miner were a result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper handled the prosecution.