Department of Justice
U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Wisconsin
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 15, 2019
Scott C. Blader
Superior Resident Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Brian Kainu, 37, Superior, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The indictment alleges that Kainu distributed methamphetamine on March 27 and April 2, 2019, and that on April 2, he possessed 50 grams or more of the drug with the intent to distribute. The fourth count of the indictment alleges that he possessed a .22 caliber revolver on April 2.
If convicted, Kainu faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the count alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, a maximum of 20 years on each of the distribution counts, and 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm count.
The charges against Kainu are the result of an investigation by the Superior Police Department, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, Northwest Area Crime Unit, Duluth Police Department, and the Lake Superior Drug & Violent Crime Task Force. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma.
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