Wisconsin woman sentenced to federal prison for cocaine trafficking

MADISON, Wis. (WFRV) – A 27-year-old Wisconsin woman has been sentenced to four and a half years in prison for her role in a cocaine trafficking operation. The authorities announced this on Thursday.

Teala L. Kumbera of Schofield was convicted of conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Following her prison sentence, Kumbera will serve three years of supervised release. She pleaded guilty to the charges on August 16, 2024.

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The case stemmed from a February 2022 investigation by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force into a methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking ring in Wausau. The multi-year investigation included seizing drug-laden packages from the mail, conducting controlled drug purchases and recovering firearms and large quantities of drugs during house searches.

Authorities believe the organization distributed kilos of methamphetamine and cocaine.

Kumbera was identified as the key local distributor of one of the organization’s leaders. Investigators determined through intercepted phone calls that she was picking up cocaine to sell every few days. After her arrest, Kumbera admitted that she regularly sold cocaine for six to 12 months.

At the time of her involvement, Kumbera was under state supervision for two previous convictions for trafficking methamphetamine. Her state supervision has since been revoked and she was sentenced to a further two years and three months in prison. She was also convicted in state court of cocaine trafficking during the investigation and received a two-year state prison sentence, to be served concurrently with her other state sentences.

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U.S. District Judge William Conley has ruled that Kumbera’s federal sentence will run concurrently with her state prison sentences. In his ruling, Conley noted Kumbera’s extensive criminal history and her repeated involvement in significant drug trafficking activities.

Eight others were charged in connection with the drug trafficking organization. Quo Vadis Lewis, Craig C. Gates, Troy A. Olsen and Shandell Mohr have pleaded guilty and are awaiting sentencing. Tommie L. Haney is expected to enter a guilty plea on December 2, 2024. The cases against Edwin Lewis, Samuel A. Teague and Shelby Gutch are still pending.

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