Tim Ryan, tryan@wolfrivermedia.com
The number of defendants charged in a massive drug conspiracy case being called one of the largest ever seen in Shawano County has grown to 10.
Thomas J. Rotter, 30, of Krakow, was charged Friday with one felony count of conspiracy to deliver marijuana. He could face a maximum 15 years in prison and a $50,000 fine if convicted.
Rotter was one of the first subjects that came to the attention of authorities before the extent of the case was known.
A traffic stop in December 2015 led authorities to suspect drug activity by Rotter and his fiance, a 30-year-old Krakow woman who has not been charged.
Evidence taken after a search warrant on the woman’s cellphone indicated the couple were engaged in quarter-pound to multi-pound sales and distribution of high-grade marijuana and significant quantities of opiate pills, according to the criminal complaint.
Rotter was eventually linked to several other parties allegedly involving in buying and selling marijuana, including Daniel P. Hofman, 52, of Bonduel, who is accused of providing marijuana transported from California and hash oil to others charged in the alleged conspiracy.
Rotter was freed Friday on a $25,000 signature bond. He is scheduled for an adjourned initial appearance on March 20.
Hofman is charged with two felony counts of maintaining a drug trafficking place, felony counts of conspiracy to deliver marijuana and possession with intent to deliver marijuana while in possession of a dangerous weapon.
Others already charged in the case include Hofman’s wife, Wendy L. Hofman, 53, of Bonduel; his son, Kody P. Hofman, 26, of Bonduel; Jordan L. Weiss, 26, of Bonduel; Calvin W. Berndt, 22, of Stevens Point; Joshua M. Natzke, 24, of Shawano; Seth W. White, 28, of Bonduel, Brandon D. Scray-Bass, 23, of Green Bay, and Anthony B. Kotula Jr., 21, of Gresham.