WAUSAU, Wis. (WFRV) - A 40-year-old Wausau man was sentenced to 12½ years in federal prison on Friday for leading a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking organization. Quo Lewis was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William Conley for conspiring to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and cocaine and for possessing firearms as a felon. His prison term will be followed by five years of supervised release. Lewis pleaded guilty to the charges on Oct. 9, 2024. Federal agencies now involved in search for Wisconsin man accused of triple homicide The investigation began in February 2022 when Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers targeted a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking operation in Wausau. Over several years, authorities conducted controlled purchases of drugs, intercepted drug-laden packages, and seized firearms, narcotics, and cash during residence searches. Investigators determined the organization was distributing kilogram quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine. Lewis, along with Tommie Haney, was identified as a leader responsible for bringing large amounts of drugs into the Wausau area from out-of-state suppliers. A significant portion of the drugs was shipped through the mail. In March 2022, U.S. Postal Inspectors seized two 11-pound packages mailed from California to Lewis' apartment. One package contained approximately 10 pounds of methamphetamine. On June 28, 2023, officers executed search warrants at the homes of several organization members, including Lewis. At Lewis’ residence, officers recovered three handguns, a loaded extended magazine, ammunition, cash, an ounce of cocaine, and other evidence. DNA linked Lewis to the firearms, which he was prohibited from possessing due to prior felony convictions. Police: Man in Neenah dies after crashing into a tree, 1-year-old found in ‘smoke-filled’ apartment At sentencing, Judge Conley emphasized Lewis’ role as a leader in a drug trafficking organization distributing “incredible” amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine. Eight others were also charged in connection with the organization: Teala Kumbera: 4½ years in prison Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Shandel Mohr: 1 year in prison Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Tommie Haney: Pleaded guilty, sentencing pending Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Edwin Lewis: Pleaded guilty, sentencing pending Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Craig Gates: Pleaded guilty, sentencing pending Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Troy Olsen: Pleaded guilty, sentencing pending Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Samuel Teague: Entering guilty plea Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Shelby Gutch: Entering guilty plea Conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and cocaine Multiple fire departments in Wisconsin battle house fire, use around 22,000 gallons of water The charges resulted from an investigation by the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, which includes local and state law enforcement agencies and the Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the investigation.