WAUTOMA, Wis. — A routine traffic stop in the city of Wautoma has uncovered what authorities believe may be part of a much larger drug transportation operation running through central Wisconsin. A woman allegedly moving illegal substances through the region was caught red-handed—after simply driving too fast.
On Sunday, officers with the Wautoma Police Department pulled over 36-year-old Ashley Schwabe for driving nearly double the posted speed limit. According to the police report, Schwabe was clocked at 49 miles per hour in a 25 mph zone, prompting officers to initiate a traffic stop.
What began as a citation for speeding quickly escalated into something far more serious.
During the stop, officers noted suspicious behavior and subsequently conducted a search of Schwabe’s vehicle. Inside, they reportedly discovered over 120 grams of illegal drugs—specifically cocaine and marijuana—packaged in a way that indicated the possibility of distribution.
Following her arrest, Schwabe was interviewed by investigators. During questioning, she made a startling admission: this was far from her first drug transport. In fact, Schwabe confessed to making well over 100 drug deliveries through Waushara County alone.
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According to her statement, she had been moving drugs regularly on a lengthy 10-hour round-trip route—although she did not specify her point of origin or intended destination. Schwabe told officers that this was the first time she had been stopped during any of her trips.
Police believe the large quantity of narcotics and the frequency of her alleged drug runs suggest she may have been a consistent courier for a larger drug trafficking network, though they have not publicly named any other suspects or organizations at this time.
“It’s unusual for someone to openly admit to this volume of illegal activity during a traffic stop,” one officer familiar with the case said. “The sheer number of alleged deliveries and the amount of drugs recovered indicate that this was likely more than just casual possession.”
The case has now been turned over to the Waushara County District Attorney’s Office. Authorities have referred charges for possession of cocaine and marijuana, and additional charges may be considered pending further investigation.
Schwabe’s arrest is a stark reminder of how routine law enforcement actions—such as speeding enforcement—can sometimes lead to major criminal discoveries. Wautoma Police are urging residents to report any suspicious activity, especially along common travel routes that may be exploited for illegal transport.
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As of Wednesday, no court date had been announced for Schwabe, and it is unclear whether she has obtained legal representation. The investigation remains ongoing, and law enforcement has not ruled out additional arrests.
Community members are encouraged to remain vigilant and work alongside authorities to ensure that their neighborhoods remain safe and drug-free.