A significant figure in the drug trade, William Wayne Ray Schubel, has been handed a steep penalty for his criminal activities. According to a report from the U.S. Department of Justice, the 33-year-old was sentenced to 11 years in federal prison followed by five years of supervised release. Schubel's crimes included distributing methamphetamine and cocaine, as well as unlawful possession of firearms.
Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson was quoted in the report announcing that Schubel, "a four-time felon," is now going to face a long term in federal prison. His actions have been described as poisoning communities with what Thompson termed one of the deadliest forces eating away at Minnesota’s neighborhoods. Arrested and tried, Schubel was caught with not only significant amounts of narcotics but also illegal firearms, as described by the DOJ report.
The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives led the investigation, uncovering the extent of Schubel's operations. A variety of evidence supported the heavy sentencing, including the discovery of narcotics and arms during search warrants executed at Schubel’s residences. Found with almost three-quarters of a kilogram of methamphetamine and plenty of cocaine at his Oak Grove home, officers also seized an arsenal of firearms, totaling 12 in all, complete with ammunition and accessories.
In the course of their investigation, officers had not only turned up narcotics and guns but also found financial evidence of Schubel's dealings on his person when arrested. Containing $2,378 and a cellphone with convincing messages between Schubel and customers, these possessions further incriminated the dealer as described by the Department of Justice. Schubel's digital correspondence included "drug menus" for clients, enabling him to transact in broad daylight. His history of violent offenses compounded the case against him, his record already stained by felony convictions for drug-related charges and domestic assault by strangulation.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Raphael B. Coburn led the prosecution, resulting in Schubel's sentencing in U.S. District Court by District Judge John R. Tunheim. His past infractions made it illegal for him to possess any firearms, an infraction that weighed heavily in his sentencing. The Department of Justice's announcement and the diligent work of law enforcement are clear indicators of the commitment to combat drug trafficking and remove dangerous elements from the community.
