
Two Wisconsin men have been formally accused of drug trafficking-related charges following a grand jury indictment, a legal process that initiates a very real potential for years in federal prison. One of the individuals, Nathanial Z. Johnson, age 33, from Hayward, faces allegations of not only possessing but intending to distribute quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl, as well as maintaining a drug trafficking operation. Detailed by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, the indictment claimed that Johnson was in possession of these substances as of August 5, 2024.
Under the shadow of potential conviction, Johnson stands to possibly serve a minimum of five years to up to 40 years in prison for the methamphetamine charge, with the fentanyl charge threatening to add another 20 years. His supposed crime scenes encapsulate personal stakes that extend even into the very walls of his alleged drug trafficking premises, an offense which could also land him up to 20 years. The collaborative investigative efforts leading to these indictices spanned multiple agencies, including the Drug Enforcement Administration and local Wisconsin law enforcement departments.
Similarly facing the weight of the legal system is Tyler J. Beeler, 33, from Holmen. Beeler's indictment, also announced by the federal grand jury, charges him with possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute—a charge stemming from evidence purportedly dating back to August 20, 2024. His indictment follows a separate yet parallel thread of investigation, this time led by the La Crosse Police Department, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes spearheading the prosecution.
If found guilty, Beeler, like Johnson, could look to spend a mandatory minimum of five years in what promises to be a stark and unforgiving federal confinement, with the possibility to stretch up to a maximum of 40 years.