WISCONSIN — A Fountain City woman is facing multiple drug- and firearm-related charges following an investigation that authorities say resulted in the largest fentanyl seizure in Buffalo County history.
According to a press release from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office, deputies were conducting surveillance on Jan. 20, 2026, at an apartment located at 116 S. Main Street in Fountain City. Investigators observed two individuals exit the residence and enter separate vehicles.
When deputies attempted to make contact with one of the individuals, that person fled, leading officers on a vehicle pursuit southbound on Highway 35 and into Winona. That incident remains under investigation.
At the same time, deputies made contact with 36-year-old Danielle Hauser, who was taken into custody at the Fountain City Post Office. Shortly afterward, deputies recovered a bag from a recycling bin that contained a large quantity of suspected controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, much of which was believed to be packaged for distribution.
A sheriff’s office K-9 unit alerted to the odor of controlled substances around Hauser’s vehicle. During a search of the vehicle, deputies found a loaded handgun in the center console that was later confirmed to be stolen.
Investigators, along with members of the West Central Drug Task Force, executed a search warrant at the residence on South Main Street. Authorities reported recovering additional controlled substances, firearms, drug paraphernalia, drug ledgers, and packaging materials.
According to the criminal complaint, law enforcement seized approximately 223.78 grams of methamphetamine, 165.46 grams of suspected heroin that field-tested positive for fentanyl, cocaine and other narcotics, and multiple firearms, including a stolen handgun and a rifle.
Online court records show Hauser is charged with multiple offenses, including possession with intent to deliver fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine; possession of a firearm as a person convicted of an out-of-state felony; receiving stolen property; multiple counts of felony bail jumping; maintaining a drug trafficking place; and possession of drug paraphernalia.
Court records indicate a $100,000 cash bond has been set, and Hauser is scheduled to make an initial court appearance on Feb. 4, 2026.
“This case represents the largest fentanyl seizure Buffalo County has ever seen, and it is exactly the type of enforcement effort that keeps deadly drugs from reaching our neighborhoods,” Sheriff Michael Osmond said in a statement. “The Buffalo County Sheriff’s Office remains fully committed to aggressive drug enforcement and strong partnerships to protect our communities from the harm caused by fentanyl and other controlled substances.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
