Eau Claire drug ring leader sentenced to federal prison | Crimes and Courts

EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – An Eau Claire man has been sentenced to prison in a federal prison for allegedly operating one of the largest fentanyl distribution networks ever investigated in western Wisconsin.

Hector A. Jimenez-Sosa, 40, of Eau Claire, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in a federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, according to Timothy M. O'Shea, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley said the prison term would be followed by four years of probation. Jimenez-Sosa pleaded guilty to that charge on July 8.

O'Shea's press release further stated that Jimenez-Sosa was the leader of a methamphetamine, fentanyl and cocaine smuggling organization in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He received large quantities of controlled substances through the mail from his sources in California.

Between August and October 2023, law enforcement officers, with the help of a confidential informant, purchased meth and fentanyl pills from Jimenez-Sosa and his associates on multiple occasions. The drug sales took place in two garages operated by Jimenez-Sosa.

As we reported, Jimenez-Sosa was arrested and officers executed search warrants and found cocaine, marijuana, ammunition and drug supplies. Eau Claire Police Lt. Mark Pieper said the street value of the drugs seized during the investigation is about $250,000.

Related articles: Six people arrested in connection with alleged drug ring in Eau Claire

In handing down the sentence, Judge Conley said Jimenez-Sosa's drug trafficking represented a dramatic escalation of his behavior and “caused real harm” to communities in the Eau Claire area.

Another individual, Mario R. Aviles, was charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Aviles pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine on July 16 and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on October 17.

The charges against Jimenez-Sosa and Aviles were the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Eau Claire Police Department, the Eau Claire County Sheriff's Department, the Drug Enforcement Administration and the United States Postal Inspection Service.

The Eau Claire County District Attorney's Office also assisted in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted the case.

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