Felony charges follow eight-month investigation
An investigation that began in January resulted in charges against a New London couple.
Waupaca County prosecutors have filed four criminal cases against Devon C. Ryan, 30.
Ryan is charged with three felony counts of delivery of heroin, two counts of felon in possession of a firearm, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver, two counts of felony possession of a controlled substance and two counts of delivery of THC.
Ryan remains in custody on a $10,000 cash bond.
April R. Hardegen, 29, is charged with delivery of heroin, possession of designer drugs with intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine with intent to deliver and delivery of THC, all as party to a crime.
Hardegen was released from custody after posting a $1,500 cash bond.
Ryan and Hardegen also face multiple charges of felony child neglect.
According to the criminal complaint, Waupaca County Deputy Nate Nelson was working with a confidential informant who allegedly purchased three bindles of heroin from Ryan for $120 on June 3.
On June 18, the informant reportedly purchased three bindles of heroin and one-quarter pound of marijuana from Ryan for $950.
Police say Ryan and Hardegen’s two children, both under age 6, were in their vehicle during the drug transaction.
On July 1, an informant working with New London police reported buying $50 worth of heroin from Ryan.
On Oct. 9, an informant working with New London police and the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force reportedly purchased a gram of THC wax for $40 and two Suboxone film strips for $20 each from Ryan and Cody Baker, 35, New London.
Baker currently faces felony drug charges stemming from the Oct. 9 controlled buy.
Moving day arrest
A witness told New London Police Officer Brody Erickson that Ryan and Hardegen were staying at a hotel and planned to move into a home on North Spring Street, the complaint says.
From prior surveillance and interviews with informants and witnesses, investigators knew Ryan drove a black Audi and a red BMW.
At 8 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 15, Erickson saw Ryan enter a U-Haul truck parked near the intersection of Pine and Algoma streets. As the U-Haul drove away, a black Audi followed it.
Erickson made a traffic stop at the 200 block of North Spring Street.
New London Police Sgt. Earl Ruckdashel reported seeing Hardegen exit the Audi and go into a house.
Erickson reported finding prescription pills in Ryan’s pocket.
After he made contact with Hardegen, Erickson found prescription pills inside her purse.
Police searched the Audi and seized suspected meth in a baggie and loaded into a syringe.
They also found a locked safe in the Audi’s trunk, which contained 60 suspected ecstasy pills and suspected psylocin.
Also inside the safe, investigators found a child’s sippy cup with a small amount of fresh chocolate milk.
While searching the U-Haul, officers reported finding 3.6 grams of THC wax and a revolver inside the engine compartment.
Ryan is scheduled for an initial court appearance on Nov. 24.
Hardegen is scheduled for an initial appearance on Dec. 8.