CONTACT: Dean Puschnig
PHONE: 414-297-1700

MILWAUKEE, WI – United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger announced today that a federal jury had convicted David Shanks, 37, of Green Bay, of conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, conduct which resulted in death. As a result of his conviction and two prior felony drug convictions, Shanks faces a mandatory sentence of life in prison. The jury also convicted Shanks of five other drug-related counts, including distribution of methamphetamine, distribution of heroin/fentanyl/methamphetamine resulting in death, and distribution of heroin/fentanyl resulting in substantial bodily injury to two overdose victims.

The trial evidence established that between August and October 2017, Shanks was the leader of a conspiracy involved in the daily sale of heroin, laced with fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Shanks’s sale of heroin/fentanyl resulted in the overdose death of one individual on Sept. 10, 2017. Shanks also was responsible for overdoses by two individuals on Sept. 22, 2017. Fortunately, paramedics and law enforcement were able to provide lifesaving assistance to both individuals. Cooperating witnesses testified that Shanks was responsible for distributing large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine in the greater Green Bay and Iron Mountain, Michigan, areas. Witnesses described seeing Shanks with baseball-sized quantities of heroin and $5,000 stacks of money generated by his drug sales.

United States Attorney Krueger stated, “This case demonstrates the devastating impact the sale of heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine has on communities and families across Wisconsin and across the country. Federal, state, and local law enforcement remain committed to doing everything possible to hold those responsible for this devastation accountable.”

The following agencies participated in the investigation: Brown County Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Green Bay Field Office, Green Bay Police Department, and Green Bay Fire Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys William Roach and Zachary Corey.

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