Beloit Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing Heroin

MADISON, WIS. -- Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Juan Carlos Perez, 36, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for distributing heroin. Perez pleaded guilty to this charge on May 22, 2018.

On December 5, 2016, a police informant purchased approximately 100 grams of heroin from Perez. During the transaction, which was recorded, Perez discussed access to large amounts of heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine. Police seized $152,000 wrapped in duct tape in the home of Perez’s girlfriend. After his arrest, recorded jail calls suggest that Perez had ties to a larger criminal drug organization.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson stressed that Perez distributed large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine. Further, the judge stated that the large money seizure suggested that the defendant was involved in large-scale drug trafficking and that this type of activity warranted a significant prison term.

U.S. Attorney Blader praised the efforts of the Rock County Safe Streets Task Force in combatting the opioid epidemic and bringing to justice a defendant involved in large-scale drug trafficking.

The charge against the defendant was the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Safe Streets Task Force comprised of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives; Drug Enforcement Administration; Rock County Sheriff's Department; Beloit Police Department; Janesville Police Department; and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.