Wausau Teen Pleads Not Guilty to Role in Drug Trafficking Ring

WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAW) -- A 17-year-old Wausau teen has pleaded not guilty to his role in a suspected illegal mushroom and marijuana growing operation.

Casey Pedersen is one of three people charged after a search warrant was executed at a home on the 700 block of 16th Avenue in Wausau on Feb. 6.

Casey Pedersen's mother, Giannetta Pedersen, a counselor at Lincoln Hills/Copper Lake school was also charged and is on administrative leave. Giannetta Pedersen's boyfriend, Shane Dalbec is also charged in the case.

An investigation began after police learned Dalbec may have traded marijuana to a juvenile for a firearm.

A search warrant was then executed at the home after police notice a strong smell of marijuana outside the home while question Dalbec.

Investigators said they seized 8 pounds of marijuana, 11 mature marijuana plans, a psilocybin grow chamber with immature mushrooms, 2 pounds of psilocybin mushrooms, and 19 firearms -- four of which investigators said had been reported stolen.

Dalbec and Giannetta Pedersen remains behind bars on $15,000 cash bond. Casey Pedersen is free on bond.

The 15-year-old boy who allegedly traded the firearm with Dalbec, will be charged in juvenile court with felony possession of a firearm.