United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MADISON, Wis. - John G. McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge for U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-Wisconsin, and Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marcie Leoso, 40, of Washburn, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to five years in federal prison for her role in a heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine conspiracy. Leoso pleaded guilty on Sept. 28, 2021, to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

In April and May 2020, Leoso made several trips with her co-conspirator Aaron Guski to pick up heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine from a source in Minnesota to redistribute in the Bayfield and Ashland areas. The leader of the conspiracy, David Stone, while incarcerated in state custody, directed his associates, including Leoso, on when to pick up drugs, how much to pay, and how and where to distribute them throughout the area. Leoso’s relevant conduct included 75 grams of fentanyl/heroin and over three ounces of methamphetamine.

Judge Conley remarked on how unbelievable it was that so many people were willing to participate in a drug conspiracy orchestrated via phone calls from an individual in custody.

Leoso is the first member of the conspiracy to be sentenced.  The four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to federal charges.  David Stone is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on Feb. 16, Chai Vang on April 26, Aaron Guski on April 28, and Mala Persaud on May 4. 

The charges against these five individuals are the result of an investigation conducted by the DEA, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ashland Police Department, Washburn Police Department, Ashland County Sheriff's Office, Red Cliff Police Department and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.