Suspects accused of using dark web, postal service for drug trafficking
Alex J. Anderson, 33, and Christina L. Gain, 34, both of Waupaca, are each charged with conspiracy to possess methamphetamine with intent to deliver.
Nickolas J. Latraille, 32, Waupaca, is charged with possession of methamphetamine with intent, maintaining a drug trafficking place, felony and misdemeanor child neglect, possession of marijuana and drug paraphrenalia.
On May 22, Waupaca County Deputy Bryan Strobusch received a tip that Anderson had been ordering meth through the dark web.
The dark web is an encrypted network of websites that cannot be found using traditional search engines or browsers. Users can remain anonymous and conduct criminal activity.
According to the criminal complaint, Strobusch also learned the meth was being shipped to Latraille’s home.
Then, Strobusch contacted the U.S. postal inspector who reported that 38 suspicious packages had been sent to that address.
On May 29, officers conducted a no-knock search warrant at Lataille’s home on the day of an expected delivery.
Latraille reportedly told Strobusch he allowed Anderson to use his home for delivery in exchange for about one-tenth of the meth in each package.
Latraille sent a Facebook message to Anderson that the package had arrived.
One minute later, Anderson sent a cellphone text to Gain, the complaint says.
When Anderson arrived at Latraille’s home, he was arrested.
While executing the search warrant, officers found a suboxone strip in the bedroom of a 9-year-old.
They also reported finding meth in the center console of the vehicle.
Anderson and Gain remain in custody with a $1,000 cash bond each.
They face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the conspiracy to deliver charge.
Latraille was summoned for an initial court appearance on Sept. 3.
He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted of possession with intent to deliver.