Two Sentenced for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine in Crawford County

 MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jeffrey Costillo, 33, Blaine, Minnesota, and Denise Kraimer, 27, Columbia Heights, Minnesota, were sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

Costillo was sentenced on January 20, 2021 to 84 months in federal prison for his role in the conspiracy.  He pleaded guilty to this charge on October 8, 2020.  Kraimer was sentenced today to 60 months in federal prison.  She pleaded guilty on October 1, 2020.  Costillo and Kraimer’s prison terms will each be followed by 4 years of supervised release. 

On August 13, 2019, law enforcement officers worked with a confidential informant to set up the purchase of approximately three ounces of methamphetamine from a female identified as Denise Kraimer.  The confidential informant had purchased methamphetamine from Kraimer in the past and said she was usually accompanied by a male.  Kraimer agreed to drive from Minnesota to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, to complete the sale of methamphetamine. 

On the early morning of August 14, 2019, Kraimer and Jeffrey Costillo parked their car at the location agreed upon with the confidential informant.  Law enforcement officers quickly made contact with Kraimer and Costillo and searched their car.  Inside the glove box, officers located two clear plastic bags which contained over 107 grams of methamphetamine.  Drug paraphernalia consistent with drug trafficking was also located in the glove box. 

When interviewed, Kraimer denied any involvement in drug trafficking.  However, a later search of her Facebook account revealed many conversations involving Kraimer setting up sales of methamphetamine, with quantities up to a quarter pound.  Costillo claimed to be there more as Kraimer’s bodyguard, though he admitted to knowing they had a large quantity of methamphetamine with them that they were going to sell. 

The charge against Costillo and Kraimer was the result of an investigation conducted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Department, Prairie du Chien Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson.