Superior Resident Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine Crime

MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brian Kainu, 36, Superior, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to six years in federal prison for possessing of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.  Kainu pleaded guilty to this charge on June 25, 2019.

In March 2019, law enforcement officers conducted an investigation into methamphetamine trafficking in Superior.  As part of their investigation, officers executed a search warrant at Kainu’s residence on April 4, 2019.  During this search, officers found approximately 443 grams of methamphetamine, a cell phone, a digital scale, and drug paraphernalia.  After his arrest, Kainu told officers that he started distributing methamphetamine three years ago, and that he sold approximately a pound of methamphetamine a week.

During sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted the quantity of drugs Kainu possessed and distributed as being an aggravating factor. 

The charge against Kainu was the result of an investigation conducted by the Superior Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Area Crime Unit, and the Lake Superior Drug & Violent Crime Task Force.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma.