United States Drug Enforcement Administration

MADISON, Wis. – John G. McGarry, Assistant Special Agent in Charge of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration-Wisconsin, and U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Chai Vang, 40, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 ½ years in federal prison for his role in a heroin and fentanyl conspiracy. Vang pleaded guilty on Jan.13, 2022, to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl.

Vang was the source of supply for David Stone III, who was distributing heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine in northwestern Wisconsin in 2019 and 2020. Vang worked with Stone and other members of the conspiracy to coordinate the transportation of drugs into Wisconsin for approximately five months. Vang’s relevant conduct included approximately 270 grams of methamphetamine and 75 grams of fentanyl/heroin.

In addition to the defendant’s serious conduct in this case, Judge Conley remarked that the defendant’s criminal history involved violent offenses that terrorized his victims. Judge Conley further noted that Vang’s pretrial release was revoked twice, demonstrating a lack of commitment to leading a law-abiding life.

Vang is the last defendant of the conspiracy facing federal charges to be sentenced. The leader of the conspiracy, David Stone III, was sentenced to 10 years in prison on Feb. 16, 2020. Marcie Leoso was sentenced to five years in prison; Aaron Guski was sentenced to 7 ½ years in prison; and Mala Persaud was sentenced to 30 months in prison.

The charges against Vang and his codefendants were 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. The prosecution was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.