Appleton Resident Sentenced to Prison for Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine and Gun Possession

United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Yia Yang (age: 27) of Appleton, Wisconsin was sentenced on December 5, 2019, by the Honorable Judge William C. Griesbach for possessing with the intent to distribute in excess of 500 grams of methamphetamine, contrary to 21 U.S.C. Section 841. Yang was also convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, contrary to 18 U.S.C. Section 924(c). Yang received a 101 month prison term on the drug charge and a consecutive 60 month prison term on the gun charge. Yang also was ordered to serve a five year term of supervised release following the prison term.

According to the plea agreements and other court documents, on May 9, 2018, U.S. Postal Inspectors intercepted a package destined for Yang’s residence in Appleton that had been mailed from Fresno, California. The package was searched and found to contain approximately 921 grams of methamphetamine. Yang arrived at his residence shortly after law enforcement made a controlled delivery of the package. Law enforcement arrested Yang, searched his car, and recovered a loaded Glock 27 Gen 4, 40 caliber handgun in the console. A search of the residence revealed additional firearms and approximately three pounds of marijuana.

In imposing sentence, Judge Griesbach stressed the dangerous combination of drugs and guns, the importance of deterring others from engaging in that type of conduct, and need to protect the community. Judge Griesbach also cited the need for a significant prison term because Yang committed these violations after being recently released from prison following a conviction in Calumet County for discharging a firearm towards a person.   

This case was investigated by the Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Drug Enforcement Group, Wisconsin Division of Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Postal Service. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney William Roach.    

For Additional Information Contact:

Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700

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