Hayward Resident Sentenced To 57 Months In Federal Prison
MADISON, Wis. - John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Rhonda Jacquinot, 52, Hayward, Wisconsin, was sentenced today to 57 months in federal prison, without the possibility of parole, by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson. Jacquinot previously pleaded guilty to her role in a conspiracy involving the importation of a synthetic cathinone, Alpha-(Alpha-PVP), from China into the United States. Drugs of this type are often referred to as “bath salts.”
In sentencing Jacquinot, Judge Peterson stated that she had many previous opportunities for treatment, but she was now a long-time drug abuser who became a drug dealer. Because of that, Judge Peterson stated that Jacquinot is a dangerous person who was involved in a significant, substantial, and dangerous drug operation.
In related cases, Michael R. Moreno, 39, and Paul R. Heidbreder, 57, both of Hayward, face sentencing before Judge Peterson on August 17 and September 4, respectively. They each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
The government’s proof at the guilty plea hearings in these cases established that Moreno developed a source for Alpha-PVP in China and placed orders with the source. Heidbreder and Jacquinot provided money to Moreno to pay for shipments from China. Moreno wired money to China, paying $900 for each 500-gram shipment, and the drugs were shipped to Moreno’s address in Hayward, and to addresses in Oconomowoc, Wis., and Dubuque, Iowa. Moreno, Heidbreder, and Jacquinot divided the Alpha-PVP after it was received and distributed it to customers in northwestern Wisconsin for $100 per gram.
Today’s sentencing was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Hayward Police Department; Sawyer County Sheriff’s Department; and Sawyer County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by United States Attorney John W. Vaudreuil.
Parents and children are encouraged to educate themselves about the dangers of drugs by visiting DEA’s interactive websites at www.JustThinkTwice.com, www.GetSmartAboutDrugs.com and www.dea.gov.
