Wausau Man Sentenced to Prison for Possession of Methamphetamine

Monday, November 6th, 2023 -- 3:00 PM

(Mike Leischner, WSAU) A Wausau man has been ordered to spend seven years in prison for possessing more than 1,200 grams of meth following an early-morning crash last March.

According to Mike Leischner with WSAU, James Newton rolled his vehicle on Highway 29 in snowy conditions. When officers arrived to assist with the cleanup, they noticed a garbage bag hidden behind the vehicle’s tires.

An investigation revealed that the bag contained multiple smaller bags filled with the drug. Investigators say the bag was hidden behind the tire after the crash, likely in an attempt to conceal its contents. Newton had been scheduled for a one-day trial on October 4th.

That was changed to a plea hearing just before the trial was scheduled to begin. Under the terms of the deal, the 41-year-old pled guilty to one count of possessing more than 50 grams of meth with the intent to deliver.

Three additional charges were then dismissed. In addition to the prison time Newton will have four years of probation and must maintain absolute sobriety.

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