Seven arrested in NORDEG fentanyl bust

Seven people were arrested as the result of a “lengthy investigation” that was conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Northcentral Drug Enforcement Group Task Force (NORDEG) and the Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation.

According to a press release from the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, all seven of the individuals, five men and two women, were charged in Oneida County Circuit Court with conspiracy to manufacture/deliver fentanyl and involved in a conspiracy to transport fentanyl to the Rhinelander area and distribute it locally.

The seven people are: 

• Jerome M. Brisby, 40, Chicago.

• Lance E. Reinke, 37, Rhinelander (according to the Wisconsin Supreme Court, Court of Appeals & circuit court website).

• Joseph R. LaPuma, 29, Rhinelander. 

• Ryan N. Nest, 40, Rhinelander.

• Lisa K. Hooper, 38, Rhinelander. 

• Zane R. Olson, 27, Rhinelander. 

• Desiree L. McGinnity, 21, Rhinelander.

Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid drug and is often responsible for both fatal and non-fatal overdoses. Recent trends have shown that fentanyl is being mixed with other illicit drugs to increase the potency. Fentanyl is known to be highly addictive.

During the course of the investigation, assistance was provided by the Rhinelander Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force and the Waushara County Sheriff’s Office.