EAU CLAIRE (WQOW) – An Eau Claire man is sentenced to federal prison for what is described as among the largest fentanyl distribution networks ever investigated in western Wisconsin.
According to U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin Timothy M. O’Shea, Hector A. Jimenez-Sosa of Eau Claire, 40, was sentenced Wednesday to 10 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley said the prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. Jimenez-Sosa pleaded guilty to this charge on July 8.
O’Shea’s press release went on to say Jimenez-Sosa was the leader of a methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking organization in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He received large quantities of controlled substances through the mail from his sources in California.
Between August and October 2023, law enforcement officers bought meth and fentanyl pills from Jimenez-Sosa and his associates on multiple occasions using a confidential informant. The drug sales happened at two workshops operated by Jimenez-Sosa.
As we’ve reported, Jimenez-Sosa was arrested, and officers found cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and drug trafficking supplies after search warrants were executed. Eau Claire Police Department Lieutenant Mark Pieper said the street value of the drugs seized during the course of the investigation was approximately $250,000.
Related article: Six arrested for alleged Eau Claire drug distribution ring
At sentencing, Judge Conley said Jimenez-Sosa’s drug trafficking was a dramatic escalation in conduct and “caused some real damage” to communities in the Eau Claire area.
Another person, Mario R. Aviles, was charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Aviles pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine on July 16, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on October 17.
The charges against Jimenez-Sosa and Aviles were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Postal Inspection Service.
The Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.