Copyright: 1998, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Source: Milwaukee Journal Sentinel
Contact:   (414) 224-8280
Website: http://www.jsonline.com/
Pubdate: Fri, 16 Oct 1998
Author: Lisa Sink of the Journal Sentinel staff

MAN GETS 30 YEARS FOR SELLING COCAINE
Waukesha -- In one of the largest cocaine trafficking cases to be charged in
Waukesha County, a 28-year-old Milwaukee drug dealer was sent to prison for
30 years Thursday for selling more than a kilogram of cocaine to an
undercover agent.

Jose R. Montanez complained that the prosecutor's recommendation of 30 to 40
years in prison was unfair and excessive compared with sentences meted out
in Milwaukee County and in federal drug courts.

"I know I did wrong," said Montanez, who made five cocaine deliveries to
Waukesha County agents last winter culminating in a kilogram sale. But, he
said, "I should have killed somebody today, because I'd get 20 years."

Assistant District Attorney William Roach said there have been larger drug
sales in Waukesha County, but they have been transferred to federal court.

Roach said Montanez's case deserved 30 years because it was clear he was a
"professional dealer" who trafficked in large amounts and had the drug tools
and toys to prove it.

Agents with the Waukesha County Metro Drug Unit who raided Montanez's home
found bullet-proof vests, semiautomatic handguns, cocaine, handcuffs and
thousands of dollars in cash and jewelry. A cherry-red Ford Mustang and a
Chevy Blazer were seized and forfeited.

Roach said that Montanez also talked to an undercover agent about additional
kilogram cocaine purchases and allegedly had the kilogram he sold to the
agent fronted to him without payment from a Chicago dealer, illustrating his
elevated status in the drug trade.

Roach said Montanez hatched a plan with the undercover agent to sell cocaine
to an Illinois man and then burglarize the man's home and rip off the
cocaine for re-sale.

Montanez's attorney, Michael Steinle, said that in federal court Montanez
would have received about five to eight years in prison.

Steinle asked for 10 to 15 years, saying that would be a "hefty sentence."

Circuit Judge Joseph Wimmer imposed 30 years, calling Montanez an "extreme
danger" to the community.

"You indicated you didn't kill anybody," Wimmer told Montanez. "Cocaine
kills."

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Checked-by: Don Beck