Three people arrested following drug bust in Michigan

MICHIGAN — A Pickford man and two Wisconsin residents have been arraigned following a drug investigation that uncovered a plan to distribute methamphetamine and other controlled substances in Gogebic County, according to the Gogebic Iron Area Narcotics Team (GIANT).

The three suspects — Shane Thomas Reinfelder, 39, of Pickford, Michigan; Isaac Wayne Sawyer, 31, of Milwaukee, Wisconsin; and Layla Rose Filipek, 20, of Two Rivers, Wisconsin — were arrested early Sunday morning after GIANT investigators tracked their vehicle into Ironwood.

According to officials, the investigation began in early May when agents learned that Reinfelder was in the Milwaukee area attempting to obtain meth to transport back to Gogebic County for distribution.

Investigators also discovered Reinfelder had a lengthy criminal history involving drugs and weapons, as well as active arrest warrants.

Working with law enforcement agencies across Michigan and Wisconsin, GIANT tracked Reinfelder’s return to Gogebic County.

Surveillance teams in unmarked vehicles were stationed in advance at a known destination in Ironwood.

When the suspects arrived, uniformed officers converged on the vehicle. Reinfelder attempted to flee on foot but was captured about 30 yards away.

A search of the vehicle uncovered approximately five ounces of methamphetamine, one ounce each of heroin and psilocybin mushrooms, along with fentanyl, cocaine, multiple prescription medications, and U.S. currency.

All three individuals were arraigned Tuesday in 98th District Court at the Gogebic County Courthouse.

Charges are as follows:

• Shane Thomas Reinfelder, Pickford, MI:
  • Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
  • Two counts of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine
  • Possession with intent to deliver heroin
  • Conspiracy to deliver heroin
  • Resisting and obstructing police
  • Bond: $100,000 cash. A hold has also been placed on Reinfelder by Door County, WI.
• Isaac Wayne Sawyer, Milwaukee, WI:
  • Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
  • Two counts of conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine
  • Possession with intent to deliver heroin
  • Conspiracy to deliver heroin
  • Maintaining a drug house
  • Bond: $100,000 cash. Sawyer is currently on federal parole for armed robbery.
• Layla Rose Filipek, Two Rivers, WI:
  • Possession with intent to deliver methamphetamine
  • Conspiracy to deliver methamphetamine
  • Bond: $50,000 (10%).

Preliminary examination dates have not yet been scheduled.

GIANT extended its thanks to the many assisting agencies, including the Milwaukee Police District 6 Gang Unit, Door County Sheriff’s Office, UPSET West, Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Parole, Michigan State Police, Gogebic County Sheriff’s Office, Ironwood Public Safety, Iron County (WI) Sheriff’s Office, Hurley Police Department, and the Gogebic County Prosecutor’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing.