Wisconsin Man Held on $150K Cash Bond After Deputies Discover Fentanyl, Meth, and Cocaine Operation at His Home
POLK COUNTY, WISCONSIN — A 33-year-old man from Osceola is facing a long list of felony drug-distribution charges after deputies uncovered large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, cocaine, and drug-processing equipment during two disturbing incidents last summer. Authorities say the investigation began after a child called for help in June — and escalated sharply in August when another emergency response led to even more discoveries.
Two Separate Calls Lead Deputies to Major Drug Operation
According to criminal complaints, deputies first responded to a June 2025 welfare check at Richard Hatcher’s Ridge Road residence. A frightened child had reportedly reached out for help, prompting law enforcement to check the home.
Inside, deputies allegedly found signs of heavy methamphetamine use, along with drug paraphernalia and items consistent with narcotics distribution.
The situation intensified in August 2025, when deputies responded to a domestic dispute at the same address. This time, officers reportedly located:
- Fentanyl
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Drug-processing tools
- Packaging materials
- Evidence suggesting ongoing distribution activity
The discoveries led to multiple felony counts tied to drug possession with intent to deliver.
Hatcher Held on $150,000 Cash Bond
Following the August incident, authorities filed new criminal charges, and a judge ordered $150,000 cash bond for Hatcher — signaling the severity of the case and the potential danger posed to the community.
Investigators say the setup inside the residence showed clear signs of ongoing drug production and distribution, noting the combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine as particularly alarming given both substances’ ties to fatal overdoses and violent crime.
Additional Case Filed: Battery to a Prisoner
Court records show Hatcher was also charged in a third Polk County case alleging battery to a prisoner. Details on that incident have not yet been released, but prosecutors confirmed it contributed to the rising number of charges against him.
Authorities say the three cases combined paint a picture of escalating criminal behavior throughout 2025.
Community Concerns After Child Welfare Call Ignites Investigation
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has not released details about the child involved in the initial welfare call, but officials confirmed the situation raised immediate concerns.
In a statement, investigators said the June call was the catalyst that allowed officers to uncover the extent of narcotics activity happening inside the home — setting off the series of investigations that followed.
“Two separate responses — both for different emergencies — ultimately helped us uncover a serious drug-distribution setup,” one law enforcement source said. “The combination of fentanyl, meth, and cocaine inside a home where a child lived could have been catastrophic.”
Charges Pending as Case Moves Through Court
Hatcher is currently in custody at the Polk County Jail. His felony charges now span:
- Fentanyl distribution
- Methamphetamine distribution
- Cocaine distribution
- Possession with intent
- Maintaining a drug trafficking residence
- Battery to a prisoner
- Domestic-related offenses
He is expected to return to court in the coming weeks as prosecutors continue building their case.
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