Repeat Felon & Heroin Dealer Sentenced to 12 Years in Federal Prison

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Rayshaun Roach, 36, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 years in federal prison, for possessing heroin with intent to distribute, possessing firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, and possessing firearms as a convicted felon. Roach pleaded guilty to these charges on June 29, 2018. His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.

Between July and September 2017, Roach distributed small quantities of heroin that was laced with fentanyl to an informant on three occasions. On October 3, 2017, he was arrested based on those controlled deliveries. At the time of his arrest, he was in possession of 48 grams of heroin also laced with fentanyl, two handguns, $1,380, and 93 rounds of ammunition. These items were all in his pants’ pockets. A warrant was executed at his house, and two additional firearms were located. Roach told officers he had the firearms for protection. He admitted he purchased 50 grams of heroin once a week, for $4,000, and distributed it in one-gram quantities.

Roach has prior felony convictions for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, bail jumping, unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a church, and unlawful delivery of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a school.

Judge Conley denied Roach’s request for a six-year sentence, finding that heroin laced with fentanyl is a serious drug that presents a significant risk to the community. Judge Conley also reasoned that Roach was a "regular in the criminal justice system," who was never deterred from selling drugs and violating terms of state supervision.

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.

The charges against Roach were the result of an investigation conducted by the

Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.