Vernon County Sheriff John Spears reports a nearly yearlong drug investigation has resulted in the arrest of 13 people.  

Investigators from the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, the La Farge Police Department, and the West Central MEG Unit identified a large-scale methamphetamine conspiracy that involved suspects of drug trafficking in Vernon, Crawford and La Crosse counties.  

Multiple informants and undercover personnel were utilized during this investigation in conducting dozens of controlled purchases of high-grade crystal methamphetamine and a number of opioid painkillers.  

A search warrant was conducted in the Village of La Farge, which resulted in the discovery of methamphetamine and trafficking paraphernalia.   

Arrests were made in three counties, with the additional assistance of the Crawford and La Crosse County Sheriff’s offices.  

Suspects arrested at this point are: Paul Buckta, age 33, of La Farge; Bobbie Shanahan, age 32, of La Farge; Jon Fanta, age 52, of Viroqua; Gregory Branville, age 19, of Westby; William Magruder, age 53, of Coon Valley; Garrett Mikkelson, age 29, of Viroqua; Tabitha Ricci, age 25, of Viroqua; Kevin Larson, age 51, of Coon Valley; Dusti Higley, age 30, of Ontario; Travis Barclay, age 33, of La Farge; Albert Galindo, age 53, of Viola; Joe Woyczik, age 42, of Holmen; Morgan Krambeer, age 19, of Genoa; Jeremy Gudgeon, age 30, of La Farge; Daniel Ames, age 31, of rural Viroqua; and John Haggerty, age 51, of rural De Soto.

Criminal charges are being sought through the Vernon County District Attorney.  p.p1 {margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 9.0px; line-height: 11.0px; font: 10.0px Times}

Vernon County Sheriff Spears states that the investigation is ongoing, with additional arrests to come.