South Beloit Woman Sentenced to 4 Years for Trafficking a Pound of Methamphetamine

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cheryl Barrera, 50, South Beloit, Illinois, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to four years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.   Barrera pleaded guilty to this charge on August 1, 2018.

On October 17, 2016, during a traffic stop, Barrera was arrested in possession of approximately 400 grams of methamphetamine.  She admitted to law enforcement agents to brokering the methamphetamine transaction with her source and another individual.  At sentencing, Judge Peterson stressed the large amount of methamphetamine seized from Barrera, her prior record, and her failed prior probation terms as reasons for sentencing her to four years in prison.

The charge against Barrera was the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Safe Streets Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Rock County Sheriff's Department; Beloit Police Department; Janesville Police Department; and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.