By Joe Bachman

A Wisconsin Rapids couple faces drug charges after allegedly selling heroin to a confidential informant.

Garen Withers, 35, and Jesse Withers Jr., 32, are charged on multiple counts of manufacturing and delivering heroin.

According to police reports a confidential informant helped to complete the sale of heroin by the Parkview Apartments on the 1700 block of 2nd Ave. S last October 21. A positive identification was made on Jesse Withers, who would again meet with the confidential informant on Oct. 22 at the same location.

On Oct. 27 the confidential informant made arrangements with Jesse Withers to provide money via Walmart transfer, then meet his wife, Garen Withers, at a nearby apartment building. Garen Withers then allegedly gave the informant a cellophane package containing heroin.

The two were out on bond at the time and are facing previous drug-related charges. Both were in Wood Co. Circuit Court this week for the prior charges and return for a pre-trial conference on Feb. 26.

If convicted, Garen and Jesse Withers face up to 15 years imprisonment for each count of manufacturing and selling heroin, as well as fines up to $50,000. They could face additional time up to six years in prison and $10,000 in fines for bail jumping.