16 charged with cocaine conspiracy in Fond du Lac, street value $9.6 million

In a joint effort, multiple federal, state and local law enforcement agencies announced a big interruption to a large scale drug operation in Fond du Lac County.

"Sixteen individuals have now been charged with among other things, felony conspiracy to deliver cocaine charges," said William Lamb, Fond du Lac Police Chief.

Those people facing charges for distributing 127-pounds of cocaine and crack.

According to criminal complaints, detectives worked undercover.

"The average dose they determined was about 0.6 grams at about $100 per dose. Doing that math that comes to 96,000 doses that were distributed into our community," said Eric Toney, Fond du Lac County District Attorney.

The street value is worth more than $9.6 million with ties to the Milwaukee and Chicago area.

"Cocaine is making a comeback, part of the reason why is because I think we've been effective with our campaigns related how deadly opioids and fentanyl is in our streets now," said Brad Schimel, Wisconsin Attorney General.

Officials are looking for two of the charged individuals, Dennis Armstrong, 68, and Kayley Kropp, 23, both from the city of Fond du Lac.

Agents added, drugs often lead to other crimes.

"In addition to the dangers of illegal drug use, there's always present danger in violence that is present with the drug trade," Chief Lamb said.

Assisting Fond du Lac Police was the Fond du Lac County Sheriff’s Office, North Fond du Lac Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice DCI and MEG Unit, and United States Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms.