Lewis County Resident Federally Sentenced

On November 6, 2023 Bryan E. Wurtzberger, age 55, of rural La Belle, was sentenced in the United States District Court, Eastern District, (St. Louis), by Senior District Judge John A. Ross.  Wurtzberger was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for possession of a firearm by a felon, and for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  

Wurtzberger has been in federal custody since February, 2022 after being federally indicted on the above mentioned charges.  These charges are in relation to an investigation conducted by the Sheriff's Office in July, 2021, whereupon Wurtzberger, was found in possession of a large quantity of methamphetamine in his vehicle and on his person.  A search warrant was then sought for his residence and firearms were located inside his home.  State charges were filed and the investigation was then referred to the ATF for federal prosecution.  Wurtzberger had numerous prior felony convictions and had served several prior stints in the Missouri Department of Corrections.

The members of the Sheriff's Office greatly appreciate the efforts of the NEMO Drug Task Force, the ATF and Assistant United States Attorney, Matt Martin, as this matter comes to a conclusion.

"I am extremely proud of the investigation conducted by my team. Every deputy in my office worked diligently during this investigation and proved they have the skills to not only have success in the state system but also the federal system."  "I would also like to thank AUSA Martin and the members of the ATF who helped this case reach a successful conclusion."  "It is imperative that career criminals receive the harshest consequences in order to preserve the law abiding citizen's safety."  Sheriff David Parrish.