Manitowoc, Wisc. – A preliminary hearing for a Virginia man accused in a large-scale methamphetamine trafficking case in Manitowoc has been postponed as the suspect continues efforts to secure legal representation.
The case stems from a major drug bust that authorities say resulted in the seizure of a massive quantity of meth and the involvement of armed suspects.
Hearing Postponed as Suspect Seeks Attorney
Court records show that Karonn Hamilton, 30, appeared in court on Friday, where his scheduled preliminary hearing was officially postponed until January 8. The delay was granted to allow Hamilton additional time to obtain an attorney to represent him in the high-profile case.
Hamilton currently remains behind bars, held on a $550,000 cash bond, reflecting the seriousness of the charges and the scale of the alleged drug operation.
Felony Drug Conspiracy Charge Filed
Hamilton is facing a felony count of conspiracy to manufacture and deliver amphetamine, a charge that carries severe penalties under Wisconsin law if convicted. Prosecutors allege that the charge is tied to a significant meth trafficking operation uncovered earlier this month in Manitowoc County.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.
Arrests Made During December Drug Bust
Hamilton was arrested on December 15 along with two other suspects, Andre Allen and Corven Jones, following a coordinated law enforcement operation. Investigators said the arrests were made after federal and local agencies worked together to dismantle what they described as a large-scale meth distribution effort.
According to authorities, the three men were taken into custody with an estimated $250,000 worth of methamphetamine, highlighting the scope of the alleged criminal activity.
SWAT Team Assists in High-Risk Arrests
Due to the potential danger involved, a SWAT team was deployed to assist with the arrests. Officials said the decision was made after investigators determined that the suspects could be armed and pose a significant risk to law enforcement officers and the public.
During the operation, investigators confirmed that two of the suspects were carrying loaded firearms at the time of their arrests.
Stolen Firearm Linked to Virginia
One of the firearms recovered during the arrests was later confirmed to have been stolen from Virginia, adding another layer of seriousness to the case. While authorities have not specified which suspect was in possession of the stolen weapon, officials emphasized that the presence of loaded guns significantly escalated the threat level during the operation.
Law enforcement officials noted that firearms are often associated with large-scale drug trafficking operations, increasing the risk of violence.
Massive Meth Seizure Discovered
In addition to the weapons, investigators reported finding more than 25 pounds of methamphetamine, a quantity that authorities say could have supplied thousands of individual doses. Officials believe the drugs were intended for distribution, rather than personal use.
The seizure represents one of the largest meth busts in recent Manitowoc County history, according to law enforcement sources familiar with the investigation.
Co-Defendants Also Face High Bonds
Hamilton’s co-defendants, Andre Allen and Corven Jones, are also facing serious charges related to the bust. Both men are scheduled to return to court on Monday, court officials confirmed.
- Andre Allen is currently held on a $600,000 bond
- Corven Jones is being held on a $500,000 bond
Prosecutors have not released additional details about the specific charges against Allen and Jones but indicated that the case remains active and complex.
Ongoing Investigation and Next Court Dates
Authorities say the investigation into the alleged drug operation is ongoing, and additional evidence may be presented as the case moves through the court system. The postponed hearing for Karonn Hamilton is expected to resume on January 8, when a judge will determine whether there is sufficient evidence for the case to proceed to trial.
Law enforcement officials emphasized that cases involving large quantities of narcotics and firearms often involve extensive coordination between agencies and can take months to fully prosecute.
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