Federal authorities have added 49-year-old Angela Willis to Wisconsin’s most wanted roster after federal charges linked her to a Milwaukee-based cocaine and marijuana distribution ring. Officials say Willis was indicted on federal charges in 2024 and took off after the indictment. Investigators believe she may have slipped back into Milwaukee and note she sometimes uses the name Angela Vernon. Her case is now the focus of an active search by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force.
Federal Case And The Manhunt
Investigators say the probe stretched over four years and led to federal charges against Willis along with several alleged co-conspirators. "DEA did the full investigation, and they deemed them all to be together possessing and distributing fairly large amounts of cocaine and marijuana," a U.S. marshal told reporters. "Turn yourself in, get it figured out, go through the court system," the marshal added, as reported by FOX6 Milwaukee.
Where Investigators Say She May Be
Marshals say Willis, who sometimes goes by Angela Vernon, has ties to Ohio and Texas and is believed to have returned to Milwaukee after leaving town following the indictment. The U.S. Marshals say her ex-husband was located and arrested in Ohio in late 2025 on the same indictment, while Willis remains at large. Authorities describe her as about 5 feet 4 inches tall and roughly 295 pounds, information provided by the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force and reported by FOX6 Milwaukee.
How To Report Tips
The U.S. Marshals Service is asking anyone with information about Willis’ whereabouts to call its Milwaukee-area tipline at (414) 297-3707. Callers can remain anonymous. For guidance on submitting tips and other contact options, see the U.S. Marshals Service online at U.S. Marshals Service.
Federal Investigations In The District
Federal agents routinely pursue large, multi-year drug investigations in and around Milwaukee, often working alongside local police and the U.S. Marshals. Recent federal activity in the region includes DEA-led prosecutions that resulted in significant sentences. One example is described by the DEA.
Legal Note
Willis was federally charged in 2024. An indictment is an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court. Federal drug-conspiracy and related offenses can carry decades in prison and in some cases life in prison, depending on quantities and conduct, as noted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
