Five arrested in Colfax drug raids

By LeAnn R. Ralph

COLFAX —  Five individuals have been arrested at four locations during a drug raid in Colfax during the early morning hours of Friday, April 5.

The West Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force, the Colfax Police Department, the Dunn County Sheriff’s Department and the Eau Claire S.W.A.T. team participated in executing multiple search warrants at multiple locations.

Those arrested included Karen A. Herrera, age 50, of 408 Cedar Street. She is expected to be charged with maintaining a drug trafficking house, possession of methamphetamine, possession of prescription drugs without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Leo P. Herrera, age 57, also of 408 Cedar Street, is expected to be charged with maintaining a drug trafficking house, possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Jami A. Golden, age 33, of 800 University Avenue, is expected to be charged with maintaining a drug trafficking house, possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine, possession of prescription drugs without a prescription and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Golden previously was charged in Dunn County with possession of meth, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and obstructing an officer in relation to an incident that occurred in September of 2012.

The possession charges were dismissed in Dunn County Circuit Court on February 27 of this year on a motion from Dunn County District Attorney James Peterson.

Golden pleaded no contest on the obstruction charge and was found guilty by Judge William Stewart.

Obstructing an officer is a misdemeanor, and Golden was ordered to pay the court $347.50.

According to court records, Dunn County received notice of an address change for Golden on February 28 to 808 University Avenue in Colfax, Apartment No. 30.

Golden’s previous address was listed as Railroad Avenue in Boyceville.

Additional charges are pending against Golden as a result of the search warrant in Colfax, said Colfax Police Chief Pete Gehring.

Also arrested April 5 was William J. Lambei, age 25. Lambei’s address is unknown, although he is believed to be from Menomonie.

Lambei was arrested at a residence on Third Avenue in Colfax and is expected to be  charged with carrying a concealed weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia, two misdemeanor bail jumping charges and one felony bail jumping charge.

The fifth individual arrested was Michael A. Smith, age 21, address unknown.

Smith was on his way to Golden’s address when the search warrant was executed.

Smith is expected to be charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia and bail jumping.

Police Chief Gehring said he urges citizens to notify the Colfax Police Department of activity they consider to be suspicious.

“These arrests have led to information about other activity,” he said.

To report suspicious activity or to voice your concerns, contact the Colfax Police Department at (715) 962-3136.

The suspects have had bail hearings in Dunn County Circuit Court but further court proceedings have not yet been scheduled.

The exact charges will be available after the district attorney files a criminal complaint for each person.