Baldwin man gets 28 years without parole

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For his part in a methamphetamine drug smuggling and distribution operation Wayne Ruoho, 41, Baldwin, was sentenced to 28 years in prison - without parole.

That sentence was handed out Friday by Chief U.S. District Judge for western Wisconsin Barbara Crabb.

According to Erik Peterson, U.S. attorney for western Wisconsin, Ruoho had previously pled guilty to a charge that he conspired to distribute meth for several years in western Wisconsin.

In sentencing Ruoho, Chief Judge Crabb stated that it "boggles the mind" to think of the amount of methamphetamine involved in Ruoho's crimes.

"It must be hard to sleep knowing the number of lives you have ruined," Crabb told Ruoho when giving him his sentence.

According to Peterson, from September 2001 - December 2004 Ruoho traveled from Minnesota to California transporting large amounts of cash in order to obtain multi-pound quantities of meth.

Large amounts of the meth were then transported to Minnesota for later distribution to various locations in Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Peterson said that Ruoho delivered the meth to his co-conspirators himself, but also used couriers.

The U.S. Attorney's office officials say that Michele and Timothy Nelson also distributed Ruoho's methamphetamine to customers in St. Croix, Pierce and Dunn counties.

Michele Nelson was previously sentenced to more than 21 years in prison while Timothy received an eight year sentence.

Angela Trudelle, formerly of Washburn County, distributed the meth to customers in Washburn and Barron Counties. She was sentenced to more than nine years in prison.

Five other individuals have also previously been sentenced for part in the meth smuggling and distribution ring.

Tags: news, crime, sentencing, smuggling, meth