By Joe Bachman
Editor

WISCONSIN RAPIDS — Three alleged dealers, one local and two out-of-state, face multiple drug charges after a police search warrant led to their arrests.

According to reports, on March 12, a search warrant was carried out at a residence on the 1300 block of Chase St. Once inside, authorities identified the main occupant, 32-year-old Wisconsin Rapids resident Niki Reichel. Police would also find and identify 36-year-old Kenyante Hamilton, of Hammond, Ind., and 32-year-old Michael Austin, of Lafeyette, Ind., inside the residence.

During a search of the premises, officers found multiple baggies of illegal substances on Hamilton. This includes two baggies of heroin totalling approximately 19.2 grams, as well as 8.785 grams of cocaine. Throughout the residence, officers would also find drug paraphernalia, needles, and various amounts of marijuana.

In a bedroom, authorities would find multiple firearms, including an American Tactical 9mm, a Glock 23, a Glock 21, and “lots” of ammunition. This also included the discovery of a Kevlar bulletproof vest.

Two more baggies of heroin were found as well, totaling up to 9.184 grams. In addition, 9.065 grams of marijuana were located, as well a 3.479 grams of cocaine. According to reports, on Jan. 29, Austin was initially found to have had 10 grams of cocaine on him during a routine traffic stop.

Police have identified that the residence is less than 900 feet from Mead Elementary.

If convicted, Reichel faces over 50 years imprisonment for maintaining a drug trafficking place, and two counts of possession with intent to sell cocaine. Hamilton faces up to 50 years imprisonment for one count possession of heroin, and one count possession of cocaine, both with the intent to sell. Austin faces a lesser charge of 15 years imprisonment, with possession of cocaine with intent.

All three are scheduled to be in court on March 21.