Methamphetamine/Drug Arrest I90/94

NEWS RELEASE

METHAMPHETAMINE/DRUG ARREST I90/94

On July 6, 2019, the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office received information from a Special Agent with the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) regarding a vehicle transporting illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine, through Sauk County on Interstate 90/94.  The DCI Agent provided a vehicle description and suspect information to the Sheriff’s Office.  The two agencies coordinated enforcement action to take place once the vehicle entered Sauk County.

At approximately 9:10 a.m., a Sheriff’s Deputy observed the vehicle traveling eastbound on the interstate and stopped the vehicle near mile marker 88 in the Town of Delton.   The operator of the vehicle was Tara J. Blum, age 38, of McFarland, Wisconsin.  Derek J. Cape, age 27 of Eau Claire, was a passenger in the vehicle.

A Sauk County Sheriff’s Office K9 unit responded to the traffic stop.  The K9 alerted to the odor of narcotics emanating from the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle and Blum’s purse resulted in the discovery and seizure of approximately 40 grams of methamphetamine, 144 Adderall pills, several other controlled substances, and a substantial amount of US Currency. 

Blum was arrested and incarcerated at the Sauk County Jail.  The following charges will be referred to the Sauk County District’s Attorney’s Office for Blum:

Possession of Methamphetamine with Intent to Deliver
Possession of a Controlled Substance 2nd or subsequent offense
Possession of Amphetamine 2nd or subsequent offense
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia

Derek Cape initially refused to identify himself to law enforcement.  Once his identity was known, it was learned that Cape was on supervision through the Wisconsin Department of Corrections, Division of Community Corrections.  Cape was arrested and incarcerated at the Sauk County Jail on a Probation Hold for violating the terms of his community supervision and cited for obstructing an officer. 

The Sauk County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation at the scene and during this investigation.

Chip Meister

Sauk County Sheriff