Federal judge sentences meth dealer to six years
By Robert Cloud
Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson sentenced Justin Baumgardt, 37, formerly of Waupaca, to nine years in federal prison.
Baumgardt was convicted of possessing more than 100 grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
His prison term will be followed by five years of extended supervision.
On May 26, 2021, Baumgardt traveled to Barron County after agreeing to sell three ounces of meth to a confidential informant, according to information from the U.S. Attorneys’ Office, Western District of Wisconsin.
When Baumgardt arrived at the scene of the proposed drug deal, officers made contact with him, searched his car and found 116 grams of methamphetamine.
Baumgardt later admitted to trafficking meth and estimated distributing approximately 40 pounds of it in Wisconsin.
At sentencing on Friday, Oct. 7, Peterson noted Baumgardt’s methamphetamine dealing was very destructive to the community.
The judge also highlighted Baumgardt’s prior criminal history, which included acts of violence and poor performance while on supervision.
Prior record
On Sept. 30, 2013, Waupaca County Circuit Court Judge Raymond Huber sentenced Baumgardt to six years in state prison for robbery with use of force.
On June 19, 2018, the Department of Corrections released Baumgardt on extended supervision.
On Oct. 11, 2018, Baumgardt was charged with credit card fraud, two counts of forgery uttering and identity theft.
On March 4, 2019, Judge Vicki Clussman sentenced him to 45 days in jail on the charge of credit card fraud. The other charges were dismissed, but read into the court record.
On March 11, 2019, Baumgardt returned to prison.
On Sept. 3, 2019, DOC released Baumgardt on extended supervision again.
On Dec. 13, 2019. Waupaca County prosecutors charged Baumgardt with possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, possession of methamphetamine, two counts of possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia. He was released from custody on a $2,000 signature bond.
On Feb. 12, 2020, Baumgardt returned to state prison.
DOC released him on extended supervision on Nov. 17, 2021.
Barron, Rusk and Washburn County sheriffs’ offices and the Wisconsin Department of Justice conducted the investigation that led to Baumgardt’s arrest in May 2021.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary J. Corey and Steven P. Anderson took charge of prosecuting Baumgardt in July 2021, moving the case from Barron County to federal court.
Baumgardt pleaded guilty to the federal charge on June 29, 2022.