Eastern District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Hortonville Man Sentenced for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on August 17, 2023, Colton H. Nelson (age: 24) of Hortonville, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 60 months’ imprisonment for his distribution of child pornography. Nelson previously pled guilty to the offense on May 3, 2023.
According to court filings, in September of 2022, investigators with the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office were conducting an online investigation on a popular peer-to-peer file sharing platform. Investigators observed that an individual, later identified as Colton H. Nelson, was engaged in the receipt and distribution of numerous videos and images containing child sexual abuse material. During execution of a search warrant at Nelson’s residence, law enforcement recovered - over 7,000 videos and images depicting child pornography.
At sentencing, Senior United States District Court Judge William C. Griesbach commented that the serious nature of the offense necessitated a sentence that would both punish Nelson and deter him from engaging in similar conduct in the future. In addition to the 60-month prison sentence, Nelson will spend five years on supervised release and will be required to register as a sex offender. He was also required to pay a $5,000 special assessment.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Man Unlawfully in the United States Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine DistributionRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 28, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Moises Perez-Ochoa (Age: 40) to a total sentence of ten years’ imprisonment, to be followed by five years of supervised release.
According to court documents, Perez-Ochoa distributed more than five pounds of methamphetamine in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, from December 2022 through February 2023. After Perez-Ochoa was arrested, agents with the Manitowoc Metro Drug Unit learned that Perez-Ochoa also distributed approximately four pounds of methamphetamine in Pierce County, Wisconsin, from October 2022 through November 2022. As a result, Perez-Ochoa was charged and convicted of distribution of 500 grams or more of methamphetamine.
Agents determined that at the time of his offense, Perez-Ochoa was not legally present in the United States, and that he had been removed from the country in 2006, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2018, and 2019. Perez-Ochoa’s criminal record includes two separate convictions for Re-Entry of a Removed Alien and a prior conviction for drug distribution.
The Manitowoc Metro Drug Unit investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros prosecuted in United States District Court.
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Man Sentenced to over 21 Years in Federal Prison for Sexually Assaulting a Child on the Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,announced that Gerald “Doon” Pamaska (age: 55) received a sentence of 258 months in federal prison following a conviction for sexually assaulting a child on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The sentence, imposed on July 24, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by Pamaska on April 21, 2023. Following his prison sentence, Pamaska will serve the remainder of his life on supervised release.
According to court documents, in the summer of 2019, Pamaska, who formerly resided in Keshena, Wisconsin, sexually abused a then-9-year-old girl in a hotel room on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The abuse was disclosed in April 2022. An FBI agent and tribal detective located the defendant in a Kansas jail and interviewed him there. The defendant admitted the offense and corroborated much of what the girl said about the timing and location of the crime.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the obvious need for a significant sentence for a “horrendous offense.” Judge Griesbach based the sentence on the magnitude of the offense and noted a strong need to protect the public from the defendant. Judge Griesbach also remarked upon the need to send a strong message to deter “anyone but the undeterrable” from committing similar actions.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Willow Tree Cornerstone Child Advocacy Center. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court in Green Bay.
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Former Chief Executive Officer Sentenced to 16 Months in Federal Prison for Investment Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on July 24, 2023, Joseph Nemeth (age: 53) of Germantown, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 16 months in federal prison for carrying out an investment scheme that defrauded over 20 victims and caused a loss of at least $2.2 million. Nemeth had earlier pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1343.
The information presented at sentencing showed that Nemeth partnered with another individual to form a real estate business, Wisconsin Home Buyers Network, LLC (WIHBN), of which Nemeth was the Chief Executive Officer. Between 2012 and 2018, the partners solicited and obtained from more than 20 investors approximately $2.8 million, promising little or no risk and monetary returns ranging from 12% to 36%. In return, investors received promissory notes detailing the investment terms. Some investors also received mortgages that purported to be for specific properties to be acquired and rehabilitated with the investor’s funds, although the partners failed to record all but a few of the mortgages.
Contrary to promises that the investor funds were secured by the assets of a successful and profitable business, WIHBN had business debt, delinquent tax obligations, and other financial issues that made the business unable to timely make payments on the promissory notes. Rather than being used for the promised investment purposes, investor funds were comingled with other funds and were used for Ponzi-type payments to existing investors, payroll for related businesses, debt reduction, personal draws by the partners, back taxes, and legal fees. When the partners were unable to pay as the promissory notes came due, they sought extensions, solicited additional funds from existing investors, and attempted to secure new investors. In the end, less than $400,000 of over $2.8 million in investor funds was returned to investors.
Several victims filed impact statements with the court prior to sentencing, and one victim made in-person remarks during the sentencing hearing. These victims explained to the court how the scheme caused them significant financial and emotional harm.
This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney John P. Scully and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Carol L. Kraft prosecuted the case.
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Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Making Racially-Charged Threats Toward Black ResidentsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,
joins Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in announcing William McDonald, 45, of West Allis was sentenced on June 29, 2023, in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing.
According to court documents, McDonald vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021. McDonald then left on her car a note filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding that she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, another Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding that she get out of the building.
“Every person in the United States has the right to live in their homes and neighborhoods free from the threat of violence based on race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all residents against race-based threats like those made by this defendant. This sentence should send a strong message to others who would carry out similar acts that they will be brought to justice.”
United States Attorney Haanstad said, “The protection of citizens’ civil rights, including the right to live free from race-based discrimination and intimidation, is a top priority for the United States Attorney’s Office. We will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal resources to bear on those who violate the rights of any of our fellow citizens to live where they choose.”
“The 30-month sentence of William McDonald is a direct outcome of the unrelenting efforts and dedication of federal and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to protect the rights of every Wisconsin citizen to live in a safe and protected environment free from race-based violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “Additionally, the Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI along with all its law enforcement partners are unwavering in their joint commitment to combat any and all crimes and discrimination based on race and ethnicity with the goal to make Wisconsin a safer and more inclusive community for everyone.”
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and the West Allis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
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Wisconsin Man Sentenced for Making Racially-Charged Threats Against Black ResidentsRead the Press Release
A Wisconsin man was sentenced Thursday in federal court in the Eastern District of Wisconsin to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing.
According to court documents, William McDonald, 45, of West Allis, vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021. McDonald then left on her car a note filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, a Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding she get out of the building.
“Every person in the United States has the right to live in their homes and neighborhoods free from the threat of violence based on race,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will vigorously enforce federal laws that protect all residents against race-based threats like those made by this defendant. This sentence should send a strong message to others who would carry out racially motivated threats and acts of violence that they will be brought to justice.”
“The protection of citizens’ civil rights, including the right to live free from race-based discrimination and intimidation, is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “We will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal resources to bear on those who violate the rights of any of our fellow citizens to live where they choose.”
“The 30-month sentence of William McDonald is a direct outcome of the unrelenting efforts and dedication of federal and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to protect the rights of every Wisconsin citizen to live in a safe and protected environment free from race-based violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “Additionally, the Milwaukee Field Office of the FBI along with all its law enforcement partners are unwavering in their joint commitment to combat any and all crimes and discrimination based on race and ethnicity with the goal to make Wisconsin a safer and more inclusive community for everyone.”
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Haanstad and Special Agent in Charge Hensle made the announcement.
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and the West Allis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.
Appleton Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Armed StandoffRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin,
announced that on July 17, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Torey D. Robinson (Age: 37) to a total sentence of five years’ imprisonment and three years of supervised release for an armed standoff that occurred in Appleton, Wisconsin.
According to court documents, on April 10, 2023, Robinson approached Appleton Police Department officers and asked what kind of body armor they were wearing. Less than one hour later, officers were dispatched to a report of gunshots near Robinson’s residence. After arriving on scene, officers heard shots coming from Robinson’s residence, and they later observed him walk out of the residence with a rifle. A shelter-in-place order was given, and SWAT teams and crisis negotiators were called to the scene. After a standoff that lasted approximately five hours, Robinson was taken into custody.
At the scene, officers located a Diamondback Firearms DB-15 rifle and numerous rounds of ammunition. Robinson, as a convicted felon, was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
The Appleton Police Department investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros prosecuted in United States District Court.
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Dominican National Extradited to Face International Narcotics Trafficking Charges in MilwaukeeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced the successful extradition of Rafael Dario Gonzalez-Amparo (a/k/a “Rafa,” a/k/a “Sisi”) from the Dominican Republic based on a superseding indictment returned in Milwaukee. On July 14, 2023, Gonzalez-Amparo had his initial appearance and arraignment before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen C. Dries in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Gonzalez-Amparo was ordered temporarily detained. His detention hearing is scheduled for July 19, 2023.
On November 8, 2022, a grand jury had returned a superseding indictment against Gonzalez-Amparo, alleging one count of international drug trafficking conspiracy and one substantive count of international drug trafficking. According to the superseding indictment, from approximately February 2019 through March 22, 2022, Gonzalez-Amparo conspired with Jean Eliobert Jasme (a/k/a “ED1,” “Eddy One,” and “Tio Loco”), Gabriel Zuñiga (a/k/a “Ito,” a/k/a “Hito,” a/k/a “Captain Ito,” a/k/a Capi”), and others to distribute five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States. The indictment also alleges that on or about April 19, 2020, Gonzalez-Amparo distributed five kilograms or more of cocaine intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe the cocaine would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
The DEA Port-au-Prince Country Office and the DEA Milwaukee Field Office investigated this case. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, the Dominican government, including the National Counterdrug Directorate (DNCD), and the U.S. Marshals Service, provided substantial assistance in this matter. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert J. Brady, Jr. and Gail J. Hoffman of the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an allegation, and a defendant is presumed innocent until proved guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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Five Milwaukee Men Federally Indicted for Involvement in Armed Robberies of U.S. Postal CarriersRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 27, 2023, five Milwaukee men were indicted for their involvement in several armed robberies of U.S. postal carriers that occurred between October 2022 and March 2023. Huria H. Abu, age 20, was charged with four counts of Hobbs Act robbery, three counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence and one count of conspiracy.
Jessie L. Cook, age 19, was charged with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and one count of conspiracy. Hussein A. Haji, age 21, was charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery and one count of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Darrion M. Allison, age 22, was charged with one count of Hobbs Act robbery, one count of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, one count of theft of mail, and one count of conspiracy.
Abdi A. Abdi, age 22, was charged with two counts of Hobbs Act robbery, two counts of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of crime of violence, one count of theft of mail, and one count of conspiracy. As alleged in the indictment, the defendants robbed the U.S. postal carriers of arrow keys. They then used the arrow keys to steal U.S. mail from mail receptacles.
If convicted, each individual faces up to 20 years in prison on each robbery count and a minimum mandatory sentence of seven years and up to life in prison on each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence, which must run consecutive to any other sentence. If convicted of conspiracy, each individual faces up to five years in prison and if convicted of theft of mail, each individual faces up to five years in prison.
This matter is being investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department, in collaboration with the Milwaukee County District Attorney’s Office and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Abbey M. Marzick.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge, and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Use of a Phone to Facilitate Cocaine Distribution on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Prison Sentence for Keshena WomanRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Candice A. Sanapaw (age: 42), of Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence of 12 months in federal prison following a conviction for use of a communication facility to facilitate a drug offense.
The sentence, imposed on June 26, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by the defendant on March 14, 2023. Sanapaw will also face one year of supervised release once she completes her sentence.
According to court records, an investigation revealed that on June 3, 2021, law enforcement responded to an address on 1st Avenue in Neopit, Wisconsin, on report of an unconscious female who was not breathing. Despite life-saving efforts by officers and first responders, the woman was declared deceased. A subsequent autopsy revealed the presence of cocaine metabolites and fentanyl, and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office determined the woman’s cause of death to be Acute Mixed Drug Intoxication.
Examination of the deceased’s phone and interviews with her associates led to the identification of Sanapaw as the source of the cocaine that led to the woman’s death. The investigation further revealed that the deceased had purchased cocaine from Sanapaw on four prior occasions.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crime the defendant committed and remarked upon the need to deter those who might consider similar actions to protect the community from the destructive effects of the abuse of controlled substances.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted in United States District Court.
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Virginia-area man who groomed a child online and sexually assaulted her after moving to Wisconsin receives 20 years in federal prison.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 23, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Stanley J. Seifert III (age: 45) to a total sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment, followed by 20 years’ supervised release, and a lifetime sex-offender registration after Seifert pled guilty to child enticement and receiving child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2252A and 2422.
According to court records, when Seifert was living in Virginia, he met a then-15-year-old from Wisconsin in an online game platform. Unknown to the child’s parents, Seifert groomed her for months, including sexually explicit chats and live videos of child pornography. Seifert moved to Green Bay in July 2022 to be closer to the victim. Soon thereafter, Seifert bought the victim a phone and began surreptitiously picking her up for sexual encounters in a secluded wooded area. The child’s mother first learned of Seifert’s existence and conduct when she went into the child’s room and interrupted a live video where Seifert was directing the child to perform sexually explicit acts. Officers were immediately contacted and began investigating. They found and arrested Seifert in Michigan, where he was working for his Wisconsin-based employer, a job he recently obtained to move closer to the victim.
Seifert was extradited to Wisconsin by the Kewaunee County District Attorney’s Office, and Seifert remained in continuous custody as state and federal prosecutors worked collaboratively toward the outcome.
In sentencing Seifert, Judge Griesbach emphasized that Seifert targeted, groomed, and sexually assaulted the child, with an obviously devastating impact and loss of her childhood, and potentially residual impact going forward into adulthood. The judge said that Seifert’s conduct called for strong punishment and the need to protect the public from him, as well as the broader deterrent message for others contemplating similar conduct.
United States Attorney Haanstad said, “The United States Department of Justice has made the protection of our nation’s children a top priority through Project Safe Childhood and other efforts. Prosecutions like this one promote that critically important goal.” He added: “Anyone involved in the enticement of children, including anyone who travels for the purpose of meeting with a child for sexual purposes, will be investigated thoroughly and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”
Kewaunee County District Attorney Andrew P. Naze stated “I applaud the hard work of all the local law enforcement agencies that worked to bring Mr. Seifert to justice, especially the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s office and Inv. Vandermoss for their diligent investigation and apprehension of Mr. Seifert. AUSA Funnell and the FBI should be applauded for their work in securing a just sentence for Mr. Seifert as well.”
The investigation was spearheaded by the Kewaunee County Sheriff’s Department, with critical assistance from the Brown County Sheriff’s Department’s Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force, the Michigan State Police ICAC, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Green Bay. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Timothy W. Funnell.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Methamphetamine Trafficking on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to Five-year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that Peter J. Boyd (age: 36), formerly of Keshena on the Menominee Indian Reservation, received a sentence totaling five years following a conviction for possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine.
The sentence, imposed on June 21, 2023, by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach, was the result of a guilty plea entered by the defendant on March 30, 2023. Boyd will also face five years of supervised release once he completes his prison sentence.
An investigation revealed that on October 15, 2022, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a residence on SE Bass Lake Road, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The warrant was based on several weeks of drug activity occurring at the house. Officers seized a total of 111 grams of methamphetamine, scales and other paraphernalia associated with the use and sale of illegal drugs, over $2,000 in cash, along with nine firearms.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Griesbach noted the seriousness of the crime the defendant committed and remarked upon the need to deter those who might consider similar actions to protect the community from the destructive effects of abuse of controlled substances.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, with assistance from the Menominee County Sheriff’s Office, Menominee Conservation Department, and Shawano County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier prosecuted the case in United States District Court.
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Seven Sentenced to Federal Prison for Child Sex Trafficking in Green Lake CountyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that seven federal defendants have been sentenced to prison terms for their involvement in the commercial sexual exploitation of a child in Green Lake County, Wisconsin. All seven pled guilty to the charge of Conspiracy to Commit Sex Trafficking.
According to court documents, on multiple dates between June and November 2019, one of the defendants, Julio “Cesar” Veleta Veleta, transported the victim, a 16-year-old girl who was in foster care in Madison, between Dane County and Green Lake County for her to perform commercial sex acts for dairy farm workers. Another defendant, Evis Garcia Rivera, both paid for sex with the victim and promoted her availability for commercial sex within the Guatemalan national farm worker community in Green Lake County. Eventually, the victim began living with Garcia Rivera and several of the other defendants, who would “loan” the victim to other groups of farm workers in the area for her sexual services.
The seven individuals charged in federal court have been sentenced as follows:
Defendant
Months of Prison
Years of Supervised
Release
Julio Veleta Veleta, (Age: 36), Sun Prairie, Wisconsin
87
5
Evis Garcia Rivera (Age: 33), Manchester, Wisconsin
87
5
Avelino Sarceno Sarceno (Age: 42), Manchester, Wisconsin
30
5
Samuel Martinez Corado, (Age: 29), Markesan, Wisconsin
28
5
Abilio Corado Gonzalez, (Age 37), Markesan, Wisconsin
27
5
Belter Arana Bautista, (Age 36), Brandon, Wisconsin
24
5
Oscar Martinez Corado, (Age: 21), Markesan, Wisconsin
24
5
The Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office (GLCSO) uncovered this conspiracy on Thanksgiving night in 2019, when the victim called 911. Several subjects were arrested that night at the house where the victim had been living, while others were arrested in other locations following further investigation.
In a separate action, five additional defendants were prosecuted in Wisconsin Circuit Court by Green Lake County District Attorney Gerise LaSpisa. Four of these defendants, Rolando Corado Gonzalez, Edwin Rivera Salguero, Ember Rivera, Esler Rivera, have pled guilty to exposing genitals to a child and have been sentenced to state prison time, including a year and a half of initial confinement, and two years of extended supervision.
“The convictions and sentences of the defendants in this case are the direct result of the hard work and excellent collaboration between federal, state, and local law enforcement,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Along with our partners, we are committed to protecting and supporting victims of human trafficking, and our enforcement efforts necessarily will include not only the primary traffickers but also others who assist in these trafficking efforts, including those who seek to drive the demand for this type of victimization.”
“The sex trafficking of this 16-year-old victim is a serious and disturbing crime,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to work tirelessly to bring those responsible to justice and protect the victims of these heinous crimes.”
“The U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and bring to justice those who engage in human trafficking and involuntary servitude, particularly when children are involved,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent-in-Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor, Office of Inspector General.
“These sentences are reflective of just how damaging crimes against children are and emphasizes HSI’s dedication to hold perpetrators accountable,” said HSI Special Agent in Charge of the Chicago area of operations Sean Fitzgerald. “We, alongside our law enforcement partners, are committed to the eradication of child exploitation from our communities.”
“Human trafficking is an appalling violent crime that occurs across our state and the country, and we must continue to fight it,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to the investigators, including DCI agents, and prosecutors who worked to hold the defendants accountable.”
Green Lake County Sheriff Mark Podoll said, “We are very pleased with the overall outcome of this case. We are hopeful for the victim and their future. The collaboration of the investigating agencies and attorney’s offices was tremendous. I’m incredibly proud of all the work everyone put into this case to pursue justice on behalf of the victim and the community. Clearly, crimes like these have no boundaries, and any community can be impacted.”
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
The case was investigated by the United States Department of Labor Office of the Inspector General, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the United States Department of Security Investigations, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigations and the Green Lake County Sheriff’s Office. The federal case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Erica J. Lounsberry and Abbey M. Marzick.
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Milwaukee Woman Indicted for Perpetrating a $2.3 Million Health Care FraudRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 21, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted Markita Barnes (age: 30) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, for perpetrating a $2.3 million health care fraud and kickback scheme that involved Barnes lying about having provided prenatal care coordination (PNCC) services and childcare coordination services to at-risk and low-income pregnant women and new mothers in Milwaukee.
According to the indictment, from October 2020 through November 2021, Barnes owned Here For You, which was a PNCC agency operating in Milwaukee. PNCC agencies are reimbursed by Medicaid when they provide services intended to address Wisconsin’s historically high rate of infant mortality among at-risk populations. Specifically, PNCC services are supposed to ensure that women at high risk are identified as early as possible in their pregnancies, receive psychosocial support, prenatal care services, and health and nutrition education, and are referred to available community services that they need to help them achieve positive birth and parenting outcomes.
The indictment alleges that Barnes offered and provided kickbacks to induce women to sign up for prenatal care coordination services with Here For You, and then allegedly submitted millions of dollars of fraudulent claims for services never actually provided to those women. Barnes also allegedly submitted claims for services she contended were provided to her clients before she or anyone from her agency had ever met the client.
The indictment charges Barnes with multiple counts of Health Care Fraud and False Statements Relating to Health Care Matters, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1347 and 18 U.S.C. § 1035, violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, 42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b, Obstruction of a Healthcare Fraud Investigation, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1518, Money Laundering, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1957, and Aggravated Identity Theft, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1028A.
If convicted, Barnes faces a mandatory sentence of two years in prison for each count of Aggravated Identity Theft, up to twenty years in prison for each count of Health Care Fraud, up to ten years in prison for each count of Anti-Kickback Statute violations and Money Laundering, and up to five years in prison for each count of False Statements and Obstruction.
“One of the primary reasons the Department of Justice focuses on prosecuting health care fraud is to ensure public funds are used to help the people they are designed to help, and not to unfairly enrich others at the expense of the public and those who desperately need these services,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to hold individuals who seek to take advantage of these programs for their own benefit fully accountable for their actions.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Medicaid Fraud Control and Elder Abuse Unit of the Wisconsin Department of Justice investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Kate M. Biebel will prosecute.
An indictment is only a charge and not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Fremont Man Indicted for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 21, 2023, a federal grand jury had returned an indictment alleging that Joshua J. Ozment (age: 34) of Fremont, Wisconsin, distributed child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A).
According to the indictment, Ozment knowingly distributed a sexually explicit image of a prepubescent child via the internet. If convicted, Ozment faces a mandatory minimum of five years’ and up to 20 years’ imprisonment. He also faces a fine of up to $250,000.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Northport, New York Man Indicted for Wire Fraud and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that on June 12, 2023, a federal indictment was unsealed charging Charles T. Lawrence (49), a Northpoint, New York resident with wire fraud, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1343, and money laundering, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1956 and 1957.
According to filed court documents, between January 2022 and March 2023, Lawrence engaged in a scheme to defraud individuals with false and fraudulent promises and representations regarding their investment of funds. Instead of using these individuals’ funds as represented, Lawrence is alleged to have used the money to pay personal expenses and repay prior victims. If convicted of these offenses, Lawrence faces a maximum penalty of twenty years in prison, fines up to $500,000 or twice the value of the laundered funds, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Inspector General investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart will prosecute this case.
Separately, the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced, on May 11, 2023, that it filed a civil lawsuit against Lawrence, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. The SEC alleges that Lawrence violated securities laws by defrauding investors. The case is United States Securities and Exchange Commission v. Lawrence, et al., Case No. 23-CV-550.
The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Two North Carolina Lawyers Plead Guilty to Conspiracy Involving Scam Political Action CommitteeRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 9, 2023, and June 12, 2023, respectively, Jack Daly (age: 51) and Nathanael Pendley (age: 61) pled guilty to conspiring to (i) commit mail fraud and (ii) lie to the Federal Election Commission (“FEC”).
According to court documents, the conspiracy centered on a political action committee (the “Draft PAC”) that Daly and Pendley ostensibly formed to convince David Clarke, Jr., the former Sheriff of Milwaukee County, to campaign for a seat in the United States Senate. In soliciting contributions to the Draft PAC, Daly and Pendley falsely represented that donor contributions would be used to support an effort to draft Clarke to run for Senate. Over the relevant period, the Draft PAC raised over $1.6 million. Most of this money was spent on additional fundraising to personally benefit Daly and Pendley, not genuine efforts to convince Clarke to run for office.
Court documents further demonstrate that Daly and Pendley solicited donations through the Draft PAC after they became aware that Clarke had publicly announced that he would not run for a Senate seat and had characterized the Draft PAC as a “scam.” When confronted by Clarke about the Draft PAC’s ongoing solicitations, Daly and Pendley lied to Clarke and suggested that the Draft PAC’s new Treasurer was responsible. They also submitted false and misleading information to the Federal Election Commission, including a post-dated “FEC Form 1” which identified the Draft PAC’s intern, Z.Z., as its Treasurer, replacing Daly. In fact, as Daly and Pendley knew, Z.Z. was not performing any duties as Treasurer or undertaking any responsibilities as Treasurer.
Both defendants are scheduled for sentencing hearings before District Court Judge J.P. Stadtmueller in September 2023.
This matter was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Kevin Knight and Benjamin Taibleson.
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Oconto County Man Sentenced to over 20 years in Federal Prison for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 9, 2023, Rocky R. Sonkowsky (age: 33) of Oconto County, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 260 months in federal prison by Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach.
According to court records, in Summer 2021, while babysitting his girlfriend’s infant child and changing the child’s diaper, Sonkowsky sexually assaulted the child and captured 21 images of the abuse on his smartphone. The images were discovered when police began investigating Sonkowsky for his online activities, which included downloading child pornography and engaging in online communications with underage children.
When sentencing Sonkowsky, Judge Griesbach noted the horrendous nature of the crime and the horrific abuse of trust inherent in Sonkowsky’s criminal acts. Judge Griesbach found a strong need to protect the public from Sonkowsky, a self-described pedophile. Ultimately, Judge Griesbach determined that 260 months in federal prison was a fair and just sentence. Upon the completion of his federal prison sentence, Sonkowsky will spend the remainder of his life on supervised release. He will also have to register as a sex offender under state and federal law.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
This case was investigated by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Oconto County Sheriff’s Office, and the City of Oconto Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Two Green Bay Men Sentenced to Federal Prison for Trafficking Fentanyl Disguised as Percocet.Read the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 24 and June 1, 2023, Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Don A.K. James, Jr. (age: 24) and Frederick L. Brewer (age: 34) to 15 years and 12 years in federal prison, respectively, after a jury convicted the Green Bay men of Conspiracy to Distribute Fentanyl, Possessing Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute, and Distributing Fentanyl, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841 and 846.
The evidence presented at trial showed that in January and February 2022, Brewer sold fentanyl pills to an informant working with the Brown County Drug Task Force (“BCDTF”). The potentially lethal pills had been illicitly manufactured to resemble Percocet®, in the form of blue “M30” pills. After BCDTF investigators arrested Brewer, they learned that James—Brewer’s brother—had negotiated with an Arizona-based source to buy thousands of counterfeit Percocet® “M30” pills containing fentanyl. James flew to Arizona in early January 2022 to buy at least 15,000 pills. While there, he sent a video to a large-scale buyer in the Green Bay area. The video showed that James had at least 19,000 pills to distribute. James flew back to Wisconsin and boasted to the buyer that James now had 30,000 fentanyl pills and was ready to do business. Brewer conspired with and assisted James in the fentanyl-trafficking operation, including when James returned from Arizona with the “load” of pills. When James was arrested, he attempted to swallow a bag of 58 fentanyl pills. After a several-minute struggle, during which BCDTF investigators administered Narcan to protect James against a potential overdose, they caused James to spit out the still-intact bag. James feared that he had swallowed two pills and pleaded for additional medical help. Investigators quickly summoned an ambulance, which transported James to the hospital for medical clearance. James later posted bail and was released, only to be re-arrested in June 2022 when he was found in possession of over 750 fentanyl pills with the intent to distribute.
In sentencing both men, Judge Griesbach emphasized that trafficking fentanyl is equivalent to distributing “poison.” The judge cited recent data from the Drug Enforcement Administration (“DEA”) that 6 in 10 counterfeit pills tested at DEA Crime Labs contain a potentially lethal dose of fentanyl. In 2021, the DEA determined that 40% of pills were potentially lethal, but by 2022, the fatal dosage increased to 60% of tested pills.
According to the DEA, fentanyl remains the deadliest drug threat facing this country. It is a highly addictive synthetic opioid that is 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine. Just two milligrams of fentanyl, the small amount that fits on the tip of a pencil, is considered a potentially deadly dose. According to the CDC, 107,622 Americans died of drug poisoning in 2021, with 66 percent of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant United States Attorney Tim Funnell prosecuted the cases.
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Mother and Son Indicted for Drug Conspiracy and Money LaunderingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment alleging that Moises Gonzalez-Rodriguez (age: 20) and Blanca E. Rodriguez (age: 52) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, conspired to distribute fentanyl in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846. The indictment also alleges that Blanca Rodriguez laundered the proceeds of the drug sales in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 1956(a)(1)(B)(i). Blanca Rodriguez is the mother of Moises Gonzalez-Rodriguez.
If convicted of the drug conspiracy charge, each defendant faces a mandatory 10 years’ imprisonment and up to a life sentence. Rodriguez also faces up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the money laundering offense.
This case was investigated by the Brown County Drug Task Force and the United States Postal Inspection Service. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendants are presumed innocent and are entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove them guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
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Milwaukee Felon Indicted for Possession with Intent to Distribute Fentanyl and related Firearms OffensesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Koleh B. Wilson (age: 45) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Counts One and Two of the indictment allege that Wilson was in possession of a 9 mm firearm and over 40 grams of fentanyl in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1), and Title 21, United States Code, Section 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(B). Additionally, Count Three of the indictment alleges that Wilson possessed the 9 mm firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i).
As a convicted felon, Wilson is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of Count One of the indictment. If convicted of dealing fentanyl, as alleged in Count Two of the indictment, Wilson faces a minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’, and up to 40 years’, imprisonment. If convicted of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, as alleged in Count Three of the indictment, Wilson would face an additional minimum mandatory sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and up to a life sentence.
This case was investigated by the Manitowoc County Sheriff’s Department and the Milwaukee Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
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Manitowoc Firearm Theft Leads to Federal ChargesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Dewane J. Mrotek (age: 45) of Manitowoc, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Mrotek stole a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer, Fleet Farm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(u).
If convicted of stealing the firearm he faces up to ten years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
This case was investigated by the City of Manitowoc Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
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Madison Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearms in Grand ChuteRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Edlando M. Watson (age: 39) of Madison, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Watson, a felon, was in possession of five firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
As a convicted felon, Watson is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of that charge.
This case was investigated by the City of Madison Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
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Green Bay Felon Indicted for Possessing Firearms and Drug Trafficking ActivityRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 6, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment against Fabian J. Duarte (age: 32) of Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The indictment alleges that Duarte, a felon, was in possession of two firearms in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1). Duarte is also alleged to have possessed with the intent to distribute cocaine and marijuana in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 841(a) and 841(b)(1)(C).
As a convicted felon, Duarte is prohibited from ever possessing a firearm under state and federal law and faces up to 15 years’ imprisonment and a $250,000 fine if convicted of that charge. He faces an additional 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of the drug charge.
This case was investigated by the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is being investigated and prosecuted under the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative. PSN is a federal, state, and local law enforcement collaboration to identify, investigate, and prosecute individuals responsible for violent crimes in our neighborhoods. The PSN strategy brings together all levels of law enforcement and community resources to reduce violent crime and improve the quality of life in all our neighborhoods.
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Former Keshena resident sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for voluntary manslaughter and related crimes on the Menominee IndianRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on June 3, 2023, Duane A. Waupoose, Jr. (Age 29), was sentenced to a total of 14 years in federal prison following his convictions at trial for voluntary manslaughter, assault with a dangerous weapon, and use of a firearm during a crime of violence. The convictions related to an armed assault which resulted in the death of a man on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Waupoose and the victim were enrolled members of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin and formerly resided on the reservation. Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach also imposed a 60-month term of supervised release to be served upon Waupoose’s release from prison.
The evidence presented at trial showed that around midnight on January 31, 2021, the defendant and others were approached by a group looking to fight another person. A fight broke out in the driveway of a home in the School View area of the Menominee Indian Reservation, and Waupoose received minor injuries after being shot. Waupoose then disarmed the man who shot him and pursued him down the driveway and into the street, striking the man with the shotgun.
The evidence also showed that after the man subsequently fled, Waupoose caught up with him approximately 40 yards down the road and repeatedly struck him on the face and head, causing serious injuries which eventually resulted in his death.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach commented, “A life was lost, and it was lost without justification . . . there is no justification for the brutal beating Mr. Waupoose delivered.” Judge Greisbach further noted that the serious nature of the crime, the lasting impact on the victim’s family, and the need to deter others from engaging in similar conduct warranted a lengthy sentence.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Andrew J. Maier and Peter J. Smyczek prosecuted the case in United States District Court.
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Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin joins Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr., of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, in announcing Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced today to ten years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines. He was also ordered to pay $40,000 in restitution and a $10,000 special assessment. Following his release from prison, Stenson will spend ten years on supervised release.
According to court documents, Stenson traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaged in sexual activity with the victims, and then provided them with money and gifts.
A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed with John Burgdorff about engaging in sex acts with the minor victims. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity.
Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. On November 3, 2022, Burgdorff was sentenced to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, and Philippine Authorities investigated the case.
Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick of the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Man Sentenced for Sex Trafficking Minors in the PhilippinesRead the Press Release
A Wisconsin man was sentenced today to 10 years in prison for sex trafficking multiple minors in the Philippines.
According to court documents, Donald A. Stenson, 67, of West Allis, traveled to the Philippines on multiple occasions starting in 2007 and repeatedly engaged in sexual activity with minors there. Between 2016 and 2019, Stenson lured five minor victims between the ages of approximately 11 and 17 into commercial sex arrangements, engaging in sexual activity with the victims and then providing them with money and gifts.
A search of Stenson’s electronic devices uncovered multiple images and videos of the minor victims, including a video depicting Stenson engaging in sex acts with a minor. The search also uncovered sexually explicit messages with minors and messages in which Stenson discussed engaging in sex acts with the minor victims with John Burgdorff, 66, of West Allis. Burgdorff traveled with Stenson to the Philippines, and Stenson encouraged the victims to meet with Burgdorff, who then also engaged them in commercial sexual activity.
Stenson was identified based on a CyberTipline Report from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC). Stenson and Burgdorff were both arrested at Burgdorff’s residence in West Allis and charged as co-defendants in connection with their sex trafficking of these minor victims. Burgdorff was sentenced in November 2022 to two and a half years in prison for engaging in illicit sexual conduct with a minor in a foreign place.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Chicago made the announcement.
HSI Milwaukee, HSI’s Manila Transnational Criminal Investigation Unit, HSI Bangkok, and Philippine authorities investigated the case.
Trial Attorney William G. Clayman of the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS) and Assistant U.S. Attorneys Megan J. Paulson and Abbey M. Marzick for the Eastern District of Wisconsin prosecuted the case, with assistance from CEOS Trial Attorney Kaylynn Foulon.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
Green Bay Pastor Arrested for Online Crimes Targeting a Venezuelan ChildRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on June 2, 2023, a criminal complaint was issued charging Cory J. Herthel (age: 40) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, with attempted production of child pornography and the transfer of obscene material to a Venezuelan child in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2251(a) and 1470.
The attempted production of child pornography charge carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and up to 30 years of incarceration in federal prison upon conviction. The transfer of obscene materials charge carries up to ten years’ imprisonment. A conviction on either charge would require Herthel to register as a sexual offender.
According to the criminal complaint, Herthel met the child while performing missionary work and thereafter maintained contact with the child online. Herthel encouraged the minor to send him videos of the child’s genitalia in exchange for monetary payments. He is further alleged to have sent the child images of his genitals.
This case is being investigated by the Green Bay and Milwaukee offices of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) with the assistance of the Green Bay Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in May 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by U.S. Attorney’s Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Armed CarjackingRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 24, 2023, Jerome O. Smith (27) of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison related to a carjacking that took place in Milwaukee in May 2022.
According to court records, on May 8, 2022, Smith lured his victim to an apartment building in Milwaukee. When the victim arrived, Smith held a gun to his head and stole his jewelry, wallet, watch, and car keys. Smith then fled in the victim’s car. After being charged in federal court, Smith entered guilty pleas to one count of carjacking, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2119, and one count of using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 924(c).
At sentencing, United States District Court Brett H. Ludwig noted that Smith’s crime was among the most serious crimes prosecuted in federal court. Judge Ludwig discussed the violent nature of the crime and the trauma it caused the victim; he concluded that the crime warranted a significant period of incarceration.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Julie F. Stewart and Benjamin P. Taibleson.
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United States Reaches Settlement with Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Regarding Allegations of ADA ViolationsRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 22, 2023, the United States had settled a claim that Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Milwaukee Inc. (“CSM”) failed to provide sign language interpretative services to a patient who is deaf, in violation of the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). CSM, located on North Lake Drive, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is a short-term acute care facility with approximately 400 staffed beds.
Title III of the ADA requires public accommodations to take those steps necessary to ensure that no individual with a disability is excluded, denied services, segregated, or otherwise treated differently because of the absence of appropriate auxiliary aids or services, unless the entity can demonstrate that taking such steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the services being offered or result in an undue burden. A public accommodation must also furnish appropriate auxiliary aids and services where necessary to ensure effective communication with individuals with disabilities and with companions of patients who are individuals with disabilities.
As set forth in the Agreement, the Government’s investigation determined the following:
- In 2017, CG developed a serious medical condition requiring her to undergo surgery at CSM on December 18, 2017. CG was initially hospitalized at CSM from December 18 to December 21, 2017, for the surgery and initial recovery period. On December 29, 2017, CG was re-admitted to CSM after experiencing complications from the surgery, including an infection of her surgical site. During her first hospital admission, CSM furnished CG with a qualified ALS interpreter for her pre-operative consultation. However, following the surgery, CG did not receive the services of a qualified ALS interpreter during several subsequent, important interactions with medical staff, including critical phases of her recovery period and staff assessments of her neurological status, in part because CSM staff did not adequately consult with CG about her desire for these services. In addition, no interpreter was provided during her discharge consultation.
- Rather than providing a qualified interpreter or other appropriate auxiliary aids or services, CSM staff relied on CG’s mother, or other auxiliary aids or services that did not provide effective communication, to attempt to facilitate communication with CG about post-operative medical information. As a result, CG did not fully understand the nature of the care and medical decisions being considered for her.
- On December 29, 2017, CG was re-admitted to CSM after experiencing complications from the surgery, including an infection of her surgical site. She was treated successfully and discharged on January 1, 2018. During her second hospital admission, CSM again failed to provide a qualified interpreter or other appropriate auxiliary aids or services, for any part of the entire stay. Instead, hospital staff once again impermissibly relied upon CG’s mother or other ineffective means including lip reading and written notes, to facilitate communication with CG. As a result, CG again did not fully understand the nature of the care and medical decisions being considered for her.
Based on these findings, the United States determined that CSM denied CG appropriate auxiliary aids and services necessary for effective communication during significant facets of her treatment at CSM in December 2017 and January 2018.
Under the settlement agreement, CSM will pay $35,000 to the patient. In addition, CSM has reviewed and revised, as appropriate, its existing policies. CSM has conducted and will conduct additional training on the ADA, and CSM has agreed to report any future complaints of possible ADA violations to federal authorities.
This matter was handled by Assistant United States Attorney Chris Larsen. For more information on the ADA, visit www.ada.gov/aids. Those interested in finding out more about the obligations of healthcare providers under the ADA may call the Justice Department’s toll-free ADA information line at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY), or access its ADA website at www.ada.gov. ADA complaints may be filed with the Department of Justice at File a Complaint | ADA.gov.
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Franklin Naturopathic Practitioner Sentenced to Twelve Months’ Imprisonment for Unlawful Prescribing of Controlled SubstancesRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on May 12, 2023, Michele Nickels (48) was sentenced to 12 months and one day of imprisonment, to be followed by two years of supervised release. On February 8, 2023, Nickels pled guilty to an information charging her with one count of unlawful distribution of controlled substances. Nickels’ conviction stemmed from her practice, over at least a 4-year period, of prescribing medications, including controlled substances such as Adderall, without a medical license or a DEA registration.
According to court documents, during the relevant time period, Nickels was a licensed Acupuncturist who had graduated from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine in Arizona. Although Nickels owned and operated Self-Integrative Family Wellness Center between 2008 and 2022, Nickels was never licensed to practice medicine or prescribe medications in Wisconsin. Despite lacking the authority and licensure to prescribe medications or controlled substances, Nickels prescribed such substances over a four-year period by, among other things, using a DEA registration number that was not assigned to her.
In announcing the sentence, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller focused on the trust that society places in licensing authorities to impose meaningful requirements in order to ensure the protection of the public. Judge Stadtmueller noted that individuals, like Nickels, who are unable to conform their conduct to the requirements of their licensing authorities must face appropriate consequences.
The Drug Enforcement Administration Diversion Control Division investigated this case, which Assistant United States Attorney Julie F. Stewart prosecuted.
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Plymouth Man Sentenced to Ten Years in Federal Prison for Arson of Apartment BuildingRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on May 10, 2023, Jonathan T. Lane (age: 32) of Plymouth, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison for arson to a building.
According to court filings, Lane admitted that on November 9, 2017, he started a fire in a small, two-story apartment building in Plymouth, Wisconsin. A mother of three children died in that fire, and a firefighter was injured attempting to extinguish the fire. The apartment building was destroyed by the fire and neighboring apartment buildings sustained fire related damage. Arson investigators ultimately determined that the fire was intentionally set and that Lane, who lived in one of the apartments, was the last individual around the fire origin minutes before the discovery of the smoke and fire.
At sentencing, United States District Judge Lynn Adelman noted the serious nature of the offense, the need for just punishment, and the need for protection of the public. Following his release from prison, Lane will spend three years on supervised release. He will also be ordered to pay restitution in an amount yet to be determined, but which could exceed $400,000.
“The arson of an occupied building endangers the safety of others and can easily result in the injury or death of an innocent occupant or firefighter,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “The sentence in this case, which was the direct result of hard work by federal, state, and local law enforcement and their fellow first responders, makes clear that those responsible for such acts will receive substantial prison terms.”
“This tragic case is an example of how ATF and fire science technology, combined with our investigative skills and partnership with local law enforcement will solve arsons,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “We appreciate the commitment of the United States Attorney’s Office in dedicating their prosecutorial expertise to this important case.”
“Arson is an extremely dangerous crime that can lead to tragedy, as it did in this terrible case,” said Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to Wisconsin Department of Justice’s State Fire Marshal’s Office, whose agents are highly skilled in arson investigations and work with local, state, and federal agencies to obtain justice.”
The investigation was led by the following law enforcement groups: Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, and Plymouth Police Department. Numerous fire and rescue departments from the surrounding areas responded to assist putting out the fire.
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Thirty Individuals Associated with Milwaukee Street Gang Charged with Federal Offenses Ranging from Fraud to Murder for HireRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that 30 individuals – all alleged to be members and affiliates of a Milwaukee street gang known as the “Wild 100s,” the “Shark Gang,” or “SNG” – had been charged in a 43-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury. The charges include mail fraud conspiracy (Count 1), mail fraud (Counts 2 through 26), murder for hire (Count 27), discharging a firearm during a crime of violence (Count 28), conspiracy to commit offenses related to the possession and sale of firearms (Count 29), unlawful possession of firearms by felons (Counts 30, 31, 32, 35, 36, 39, 42, & 43), possession with intent to distribute controlled substances (Counts 33 & 40); possession of a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking (Counts 34 & 41), possession of a machinegun (Count 37), and possession of a firearm by a fugitive from justice (Count 38).
The indictment has been unsealed as to the following twenty-seven defendants, while the charges against three other defendants remain sealed pending their arrests:
Name
Age
Counts
RONNELL BOWMAN
29
1, 2, 27, 28, 29
MICHAEL ANDERSON
26
1, 3, 29, 38
JOEL BLAKE
24
1, 4
BYRON CLAYPOOL
24
1, 5
JAVONTE COTTON
28
1, 7, 29, 32, 33, 34
LADARIUS DAVIS-HUGHES
22
1, 8
LARRY ECHOLS
24
1, 10
DEMETRIUS EXUM
22
1, 11, 29
LARRY HAMILTON
31
1, 12, 29
VERNELL HAMILTON
29
1, 13
AKEEM HUDSON
32
1, 14
RONNIE JACKSON
23
1, 27, 28, 29
CALVIN KIDD
28
1, 15
MARCUS MALBRO
28
1, 7
DEAUTRIS MATTISON
26
1, 16
QUEVON MCKINNIE
25
1, 29, 42
CHASE NANEZ
22
1, 17
ANDREW PORTIS
30
1, 18
MAURICE RITTMAN
30
1, 19, 29, 30
RAMON SAVAGE
27
1, 20, 29, 35
TIMOTHY SCOTT
30
1, 21
KEORIE SMITH
26
1, 22, 29, 36, 43
KEJUAUN THOMAS
22
1, 29
LAWRENCE TURNER
29
1, 23
CHAZZ WHITE
32
1, 24, 29, 39, 40, 41
JALEN WILLIAMS
23
1, 25, 29
JAQUAN WRIGHT
22
1, 26, 29, 31
Regarding the mail fraud conspiracy charged in Count One, the indictment alleges that the named defendants conspired to defraud the Department of Labor through the submission of false and fraudulent applications for benefits under programs such as the Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Program and other unemployment insurance programs. The indictment alleges that the conspirators wrongfully obtained millions of federal dollars through their fraudulent activities and used the funds to purchase, among other things, firearms, controlled substances, jewelry, and vacations, and to solicit murder for hire. Counts Two through Twenty-Six allege substantive mail fraud offenses relating to specific mailings of debit cards related to the fraudulent applications. Counts One through Twenty-Six each carry a maximum term of imprisonment of 20 years.
Regarding the alleged murder for hire, Count Twenty-Seven alleges that between on or about March 15, 2021, and April 5, 2021, Ronnell Bowman and Ronnie Jackson used facilities in interstate commerce to arrange the murder of N.B. in exchange for the payment of money. Count Twenty-Eight alleges that on or about April 5, 2021, these same two defendants used, carried, and discharged a firearm in furtherance of the murder for hire, resulting in the death of N.B. As charged, Counts Twenty-Seven and Twenty-Eight each carry a maximum penalty of up to life in prison, and Count Twenty-Eight carries a mandatory minimum sentence of ten years.
Regarding the conspiracy charged in Count Twenty-Nine, the indictment alleges that between approximately July 2020 and April 21, 2023, the fifteen defendants named in that count conspired to: (1) sell and dispose of firearms to prohibited persons (such as felons); (2) transfer firearms knowing that the firearms would be used to commit a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime; (3) possess and transfer machine guns; and (4) possess firearms as prohibited persons. This offense carries a prison sentence of up to five years.
With the exception of Counts Thirty-Four and Forty-One, which allege offenses punishable by a minimum of five years and up to life in prison, the remaining counts carry maximum penalties of up to 5 or 10 years depending on the specific offense charged.
Multiple defendants named in the indictment in this case were arrested earlier today as a result of law enforcement operations in Milwaukee, Houston, and elsewhere.
“Every resident of the Eastern District of Wisconsin deserves to live in a safe and secure neighborhood, free from groups which engage in violent offenses and other crimes involving firearms and free from individuals who seek to defraud programs designed to help others simply to enrich themselves and fund other crimes,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Today’s charges are the direct result of hard work and excellent collaboration between our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners, all of whom are dedicated to making the City of Milwaukee and the entire Eastern District a safer and better place in which to live and work.”
“The arrests today are outstanding examples of the sustained and successful collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to combat both significant violent and financial crime in Milwaukee,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle. “Additionally, the charges represent the commitment of the government to hold those accountable who steal the money of law-abiding taxpayers for personal gain and for use in committing acts of violent crime. The FBI’s Milwaukee Area Safe Streets Task Force along with our partners will continue to identify and disrupt criminal organizations which threaten the safety of our communities with the goal to make Milwaukee a safer place for everyone.”
“Law enforcement partnerships among agencies at the local, state, and federal level proved effective in both investigating and charging these individuals responsible for these violent and senseless crimes,” commented ATF Special Agent in Charge Christopher Amon of the Chicago Field Division. “I commend the United States Attorney’s office for their leadership and commitment to the community of Milwaukee, the victims of these tragedies.”
“An important part of the mission of the Office of Inspector General is to investigate allegations of fraud related to unemployment insurance programs. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate these types of allegations,” said Irene Lindow, Special Agent in Charge, Great Lakes Region, U.S. Department of Labor Office of Inspector General.
“The Milwaukee Police Department is committed to working with our community, local, state and federal partners to combat violent crime. We are extremely proud of the dedication and hard work of the members of MPD, FBI, ATF, the U.S. Attorney’s Office and the other law enforcement agencies that collaborated to arrest and indict several members of the Wild 100’s on very serious criminal charges. Our city is much safer due to the all the efforts of everyone involved,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman.
The defendants were charged based on joint investigation by law enforcement officers from FBI, ATF, Department of Labor-Office of Inspector General (DOL-OIG), and the Milwaukee Police Department (MPD). This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Laura Kwaterski and Peter Smyczek.
Multiple law enforcement agencies participated in the arrests and execution of search warrants related to the case, including FBI, ATF, DOL-OIG, MPD, the Milwaukee County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, Cudahy Police Department, Oak Creek Police Department, Washington County Sheriff’s Department, Brown Deer Police Department, West Allis Police Department, Glendale Police Department, Houston (Texas) Police Department, Montgomery County (Texas) Sheriff’s Department, and the Harris County (Texas) Sheriff’s Department.
The public is cautioned that an indictment is merely a charge and each defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Man Indicted for Drug and Firearms Offenses on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a on May 9, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Gerald B. Diamond II (age 25) with controlled substance and firearms offenses on the Menominee Indian Reservation.
The indictment charges Diamond, who most recently lived in the Hayward (Wisconsin) area, with the following counts:
COUNT
CHARGE
PENALTY
One
Possession with Intent to Distribute Methamphetamine, in violation of 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a)(1) and 841(b)(1)(C)
Up to 20 years in prison
Two
Possession of a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)
Mandatory minimum consecutive sentence of 5 years, up to life in prison
Three
Felon in Possession of a Firearm, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(1)
Up to 15 years in prison
Diamond also faces a period of supervised release, possible fines, and a special assessment for each count if convicted.
According to filed court documents, on or about March 6, 2023, Boyd possessed methamphetamine and a firearm in furtherance of the intended distribution of the methamphetamine. Due to previous felony convictions, Diamond was prohibited from possessing firearms at the time of the offense.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute.
The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Keshena Man Indicted for Aggravated Assault on Menominee Indian ReservationRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced today that a on May 9, 2023, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Edmund Broeffle (age 29), a Keshena resident and enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, with Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 113(a)(6) and 1153(a).
According to filed court documents, on or about March 12, 2023, Broeffle punched another person and caused serious bodily injury, including broken teeth, bleeding on the brain, and lacerations requiring medical attention. If convicted of this offense, Broeffle faces a maximum penalty of ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case, which Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier will prosecute.
The public is cautioned that an indictment or criminal complaint is merely a charge and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
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Justice Department Strengthens Efforts to Address the Crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous PersonsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin and the Justice Department join its partners across the federal government, as well as people throughout American Indian and Alaska Native communities, in recognizing May 5, 2023, as National Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day. Responding to the unacceptable levels of violence that have led to the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) is a priority of the Department of Justice every day.
The Department’s work to respond to the MMIP crisis is a whole-of-department effort that takes many forms. One year ago today, Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco joined Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland to launch the Not Invisible Act Commission, a joint Commission established by the Not Invisible Act with an essential mission — to reduce violence against American Indians and Alaska Natives. In February, they welcomed the first in-person plenary meeting of the Not Invisible Act Commission. Since then, the Justice Department’s representatives on the commission—who are department leaders and subject matter experts—have participated in the Commission’s field hearings, which will continue through the summer. Later this year, the Commission will deliver recommendations for addressing the MMIP crisis to the Attorney General and the Secretary. In addition to supporting the Not Invisible Act Commission, the Justice Department remains steadfast in its commitment to addressing the MMIP crisis
“The Justice Department is marshalling the full strength of its resources to confront the crisis of Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons, which has devastated the lives of victims, their families, and entire Tribal communities,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Addressing this crisis requires a whole-of-government approach, and we are grateful for the partnership of Tribal and other law enforcement agencies across the nation that are working alongside the Justice Department to help reduce crime and support victims in American Indian and Alaska Native communities.”
“Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Awareness Day calls on our nation to pause and honor the loved ones who have gone missing or who have been the victims of violent crime,” said Deputy Attorney General Monaco. “Acknowledging the many American Indian and Alaska Native people who have suffered, and continue to suffer, from the pain of a missing loved one or of violent crime serves as an important reminder of the urgency and importance of the department’s work to respond to the crisis of missing or murdered indigenous persons. The Justice Department—including our dedicated agents, analysts, and prosecutors—remains steadfast in our pledge to work as partners with Tribal governments in preventing and responding to the violence that has disproportionately harmed Tribal communities.”
“The Justice Department is committed to using every resource at its disposal to combat the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons Crisis,” said Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta. “In addition to our core law-enforcement work, we are providing grant funding and guidance to help Tribes develop response plans for missing-persons cases, partner effectively with local law enforcement, and provide resources for victims of crime.”
”Like our colleagues across the country, the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with all of our federal, state, local, and tribal partners to make all of our communities safer places in which to live and work,” said U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Our office is proud to support efforts to prevent, investigate, and prosecute these heartbreaking cases and to support and pursue justice for victims, their families, and all impacted by these offenses.”
Department Prioritization of MMIP Cases
In July 2022, Deputy Attorney General Monaco issued a memorandum reiterating that it is a priority of the Department of Justice to address the disproportionately high rates of violence experienced by American Indians and Alaska Natives, and relatedly, the high rates of indigenous persons reported missing. The memorandum directed each United States Attorney with Indian country jurisdiction — along with their law enforcement partners at DOJ — to update and develop new plans for addressing public safety in Indian country.
Publication of Updated Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance
In October 2022, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland issued revised Attorney General Guidelines for Victim and Witness Assistance. The revised guidelines, which were updated for the first time in a decade, address when and how department employees work with victims and witnesses of crime to ensure that their voices are heard and that they are protected during criminal justice proceedings. For the first time the guidelines include cultural and linguistic considerations for victims from American Indian and Alaska Native communities.
National Native American Outreach Services Liaison
Last year, the department announced the creation of a new National Native American Outreach Services Liaison. Since that announcement, the Liaison has begun to help amplify the voice of crime victims in Indian country and their families across the department as they navigate the federal criminal justice system. In the coming months, the Liaison will meet with survivors and family members of MMIP to learn more about the current challenges in MMIP cases and to make recommendations about the department’s continued response.
Federal Law Enforcement Strategy to Prevent and Respond to the MMIP Crisis
In July 2022, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior submitted a report pursuant to Sections 2 and 4(a) of Executive Order 14053, which called for “coordinated and comprehensive Federal law enforcement strategy to prevent and respond to violence against Native Americans, including to address missing or murdered indigenous people where the federal government has jurisdiction.” The report was published late last year and is available on the department website here.
Guide for Tribal Community Response Plans for Missing Persons Cases
In December 2022, the department published a Guide to Developing a Tribal Community Response Plan for Missing Persons Cases. This Guide is a resource for Tribes interested in developing a plan to respond to missing person cases that is tailored to the specific needs, resources, and culture of Tribal communities.
Launch of the COPS Office Tribal MOU/MOA Resource Library
On Monday of this week, the department’s Office of Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) published its Tribal Memorandum of Understanding (MOU)/Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) Sample Resource Library. This library provides users with the resources to research and successfully draft agreements that will help agencies develop and solidify partnerships to address missing or murdered Indigenous persons cases.
Expanded Scope of the Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside Grant Program
The department’s Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) expanded the scope of allowable activities under its Tribal Victim Services Set-Aside (TVSSA) grant program to permit Tribal communities to pay for costs related to generating awareness of individual missing persons cases involving American Indians and Alaska Native persons, supporting private search efforts for missing American Indians and Alaska Native persons in certain circumstances, and supporting efforts to coordinate the Tribal, state, and federal response to MMIP cases.
Government-to-Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women
In September 2022, the department’s Office of Violence Against Women (OVW) held the 17th Annual OVW Government-to Government Tribal Consultation on Violence Against Women in Anchorage, Alaska. OVW is responsible for conducting annual government-to-government consultations with the leaders of all Federally recognized Indian Tribal governments on behalf of the Attorney General. The 2022 Tribal consultation report is available here.
National Institute of Justice Study of MMIP Cases in New Mexico
Last year, the department’s National Institute of Justice (NIJ) funded a study that will provide vital information regarding the prevalence and context of cases of MMIP in New Mexico and, importantly, will inform long-term data collection, analysis, and reporting strategies on MMIP cases. These improvements will support data-driven decision-making regarding MMIP in New Mexico moving forward.
Additional Department of Justice Resources
For additional information about the Department of Justice’s efforts to address the MMIP crisis, please visit the Missing or Murdered Indigenous Persons section of the Tribal Safety and Justice website.
Click here for more information about reporting or identifying missing persons.
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Fatal Traffic Crash on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to 12-Year Prison SentenceRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 27, 2023, U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Erin D. Schweitzer, a/k/a Erin D. Martin (age: 42), to a total sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release after Schweitzer pled guilty to Involuntary Manslaughter and two counts of Assault Resulting in Serious Bodily Injury, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Sections 1112, 113(a)(6), & 1153(a).
According to court records, on April 18, 2019, officers, firefighters, and EMS were dispatched to a two-vehicle, head-on crash on CTH VV near St. Michael’s Cemetery on the Menominee Indian Reservation. When officials arrived at the scene, they found two SUVs—a Dodge Durango and a Kia Sorrento—with severe front-end damage and four total occupants. Erin Schweitzer/Martin, an enrolled member of the Menominee Tribe, was the sole occupant of the Durango. The Sorrento had three occupants, all enrolled members of the Menominee Tribe from the same family: 66-year-old W.M.B. in the driver’s seat, and W.M.B.’s two grandchildren, 27-year-old K.R.L. in the front-right passenger’s seat, and 16-year-old S.A.B. in the back seat.
K.R.L. was flown to ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah, where, despite the best efforts of medical personnel, he died of the blunt-force injuries sustained in the crash. Rear-seat passenger S.A.B. was taken by ambulance to ThedaCare, where she underwent surgery for a broken femur. S.A.B. continues to suffer from the lingering impact of her injuries. W.M.B., who was also taken by ambulance to ThedaCare, suffered head, torso, and limb injuries that required multiple surgeries and months-long efforts toward rehabilitation.
The investigation determined that Schweitzer—who had three prior drunk-driving convictions at the time of the crash—drove the Durango across the centerline and crashed head-on into the Sorrento. Schweitzer lied to officers at the scene, claiming that she had picked up an unknown male to drive the Durango because she was too drunk to drive. She later admitted that she was the driver and sole occupant. Schweitzer’s blood-test results revealed a .238 blood alcohol concentration, nearly four times the legal limit of .08 BAC; and 3.2 nanograms of Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinols, the active ingredient in marijuana, well above the legal limit of 1 nanogram of Delta-9-THC.
In sentencing Schweitzer, Judge Griesbach highlighted that the crash had a devastating and rippling impact on the victims and their families; that Schweitzer’s reckless choice to drive with such high concentrations of alcohol and drugs meant that she was effectively an unguided missile and an accident waiting to happen; and that in addition to Schweitzer’s conduct in this case, her prior history of drunk driving made her a clear threat to the public. The judge also emphasized the need for just punishment, to promote respect for the law, and to deter others from driving drunk and/or while high on drugs.
This case was investigated by the Menominee Tribal Police Department, the Menominee County Sheriff’s Department, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
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Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 16 Years in Prison for Bank Robberies, Illegal Firearm Possession, and Conspiracy to Retaliate Against an Informant.Read the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 13, 2023, United States District Court Judge Lynn Adelman sentenced Antoine L. Jackson (age 30) to 16 years in federal prison after Jackson was convicted by a jury of conspiracy to commit bank robbery, three bank robberies, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and conspiracy to retaliate against an informant.
The evidence presented at trial showed that between September 15, 2021, and December 23, 2021, the defendant was part of a robbery crew that committed multiple bank robberies in Milwaukee. The defendant was directly involved in three bank robberies, all at the Wells Fargo Bank located at 7600 West Hampton Avenue. During the robberies, the defendant and his co-actors passed notes to the bank tellers, threatening that unless they were given money, they would blow up the building or kill everyone inside the bank. Among other evidence, the government presented forensic evidence recovered from two of the crime scenes tying the defendant to the robberies.
The evidence also showed that the defendant possessed a firearm—and left his DNA on three parts of the firearm—when he was not legally allowed to possess a firearm due to having previously been convicted of a felony crime.
Finally, the evidence also showed that after the defendant was arrested on January 26, 2022, he made calls from jail in which he provided instructions to have a suspected informant seriously injured.
At sentencing, Judge Adelman discussed the defendant’s extensive criminal history, which includes prior convictions for bank robbery. The judge also noted the seriousness of the defendant’s conduct in this case, the trauma he brought upon the employees of the banks he victimized, and the concerning nature of the defendant’s role in recruiting and training younger men to conduct bank robberies. The judge acknowledged that the defendant’s prior sentences failed to deter him from committing further crimes, and he indicated that the 16-year sentence in this case is an effort to justly punish Antoine Jackson and deter him and others from committing violent offenses in the future.
This case was investigated by the FBI’s Milwaukee Area Violent Crimes Task Force and the Milwaukee Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Deputy Criminal Chief Margaret B. Honrath and Assistant United States Attorney Kate M. Biebel.
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California Attorney Indicted for Attempting to Entice a MinorRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 11, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a three-count indictment charging Michael A. Connor (age: 53) of Newport Coast, California, with attempted enticement of a minor to engage in sexual activity, attempted production of child pornography, and possession of child pornography, contrary to Title 18, United States Code, Sections 2422(b), 2251(a), 2252A(a)(5)(B), and 2252A(b)(2).
If convicted of the attempted enticement charge, Connor faces a mandatory minimum ten years’ and up to life imprisonment. He faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years’ up to 30 years’ imprisonment on the production charge and up to 20 years on the possession charge. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine on each count.
This case was investigated by the Green Lake Police Department and the Department of Homeland Security. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jonathan Koenig and Megan J. Paulson.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Fox Valley Man Indicted for Child Pornography Production and DistributionRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on April 11, 2023, a federal grand jury indicted John D. Schaefer (age: 34) of Menasha and Oshkosh, Wisconsin, on a count of production of child pornography, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2251(a), and a count of distribution of child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A).
The indictment alleges that on or about August 2, 2020, Schaefer “employed and used a minor” for the purpose of creating a “visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.” It further alleges that on or about September 21, 2021, Schaefer distributed a digital video depicting the sexual assault of a prepubescent child.
If convicted of the production charge, Schaefer faces a mandatory minimum 15 years’ imprisonment and a maximum of 30 years’ imprisonment. He faces up to 40 years’ imprisonment on the distribution charge. He also faces up to a $250,000 fine on each count.
This case was investigated by the City of Menasha Police Department and the City of Oshkosh Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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Genesis Market Disrupted in International Cyber OperationRead the Press Release
U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined the Attorney General and other Justice Department officials in announcing a coordinated international operation that resulted in the dismantlement of Genesis Market, a criminal marketplace accessible on the dark web and clear web that advertised and sold packages of account access credentials – such as usernames and passwords for email, bank accounts, and social media – that had been stolen from malware-infected computers around the world.
“Working across 45 of our FBI Field Offices and alongside our international partners, the Justice Department has launched an unprecedented takedown of a major criminal marketplace that enabled cybercriminals to victimize individuals, businesses, and governments around the world,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Our seizure of Genesis Market should serve as a warning to cybercriminals who operate or use these criminal marketplaces: the Justice Department and our international partners will shut down your illegal activities, find you, and bring you to justice.”
“Yesterday, the Department of Justice and its partners dismantled the Genesis Market and arrested many of its users around the world,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Genesis falsely promised a new age of anonymity and impunity, but in the end only provided a new way for the Department to identify, locate, and arrest on-line criminals. The Department of Justice is shining a light on the internet’s darkest corners – in the last year alone, our agents, prosecutors, and partners have dismantled the darknet’s largest marketplaces – Hydra Market, BreachForums, and now Genesis. Each takedown is yet another blow to the cybercrime ecosystem.”
Since its inception in March 2018, Genesis Market has offered access to data stolen from over 1.5 million compromised computers around the world containing over 80 million account access credentials. Account access credentials advertised for sale on Genesis Market included those connected to the financial sector, critical infrastructure, and federal, state, and local government agencies. Genesis Market was also one of the most prolific initial access brokers (IABs) in the cybercrime world. IABs attract criminals looking to easily infiltrate a victim’s computer system. Genesis Market offered for sale the type of access sought by ransomware actors to attack computer networks in the United States and around the world and published private-sector reports indicate that they indeed were used by ransomware actors to attack such systems.
Genesis Market was user-friendly, providing users with the ability to search for stolen access credentials based on location and/or account type (e.g., banking, social media, email, etc.). In addition to access credentials, Genesis Market obtained and sold device “fingerprints,” which are unique combinations of device identifiers and browser cookies that circumvent anti-fraud detection systems used by many websites. The combination of stolen access credentials, fingerprints, and cookies allowed purchasers to assume the identity of the victim by tricking third party websites into thinking the Genesis Market user was the actual owner of the account.
Genesis Market users were located all over the world. Federal law enforcement has worked to identify prolific users of Genesis Market who purchased and used stolen access credentials to commit fraud and other cybercrimes. This effort resulted in hundreds of leads being sent to FBI field offices throughout the United States, as well as to foreign law enforcement partners. Further, as part of this operation, law enforcement seized, pursuant to court order, 11 domain names used to support Genesis Market’s infrastructure.
“The operation being announced today is the direct result of the hard work, dedication, and exceptional collaborative efforts of the FBI and its partners around the globe,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “Along with investigative partners and our Justice Department colleagues, my office remains committed to using all available tools to protect individuals from cybercriminals like those who operate these types of online marketplaces.”
“Today’s takedown of Genesis Market is a demonstration of the FBI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling key services used by criminals to facilitate cybercrime,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The work in this case is a great example of the FBI’s ability to leverage our technical capabilities and work shoulder-to-shoulder with our international partners to take away the tools cyber criminals rely on to victimize people all across the world.”
As alleged in a domain seizure warrant authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Genesis Market offered for sale victim credentials associated with the White House, Department of State, Justice Department, IRS, Department of Energy, U.S. Postal Service, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and the Department of Defense.
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from the U.K. National Crime Agency, Italy’s Polizia de Stato, Police of Denmark, Australian Federal Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada’s Sûreté du Québec, Romanian Police, French Police Cybercrime Central Bureau, Spain’s Policia Nacional, Spain’s Guardia Civil, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Service, Swedish Police Authority, Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime, Dutch National Police, Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General, Swiss Federal Police, Estonia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, Iceland’s Metropolitan Police, and Eurojust.
The department appreciates the assistance provided by authorities in Bulgaria and Latvia in response to Mutual Legal Assistance requests.
Trial Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Jessica Peck of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are handling the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
Victim credentials obtained over the course of the investigation have been provided to the website Have I Been Pwned, which is a free resource for people to quickly assess whether their access credentials have been compromised (or “pwned”) in a data breach or other activity. Victims can visit HaveIBeenPwned.com to see whether their credentials were compromised by Genesis Market so that they can know whether to change or modify passwords and other authentication credentials that may have been compromised.
If you have been active on Genesis Market, in contact with Genesis Market administrators, or have been a victim and have a need to report, please email the FBI at [email protected].
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Criminal Marketplace Disrupted in International Cyber OperationRead the Press Release
The Justice Department announced today a coordinated international operation against Genesis Market, a criminal online marketplace that advertised and sold packages of account access credentials – such as usernames and passwords for email, bank accounts, and social media – that had been stolen from malware-infected computers around the world.
“Working across 45 of our FBI Field Offices and alongside our international partners, the Justice Department has launched an unprecedented takedown of a major criminal marketplace that enabled cybercriminals to victimize individuals, businesses, and governments around the world,” said Attorney General Merrick B. Garland. “Our seizure of Genesis Market should serve as a warning to cybercriminals who operate or use these criminal marketplaces: the Justice Department and our international partners will shut down your illegal activities, find you, and bring you to justice.”
“Yesterday, the Department of Justice and its partners dismantled the Genesis Market and arrested many of its users around the world,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Genesis falsely promised a new age of anonymity and impunity, but in the end only provided a new way for the Department to identify, locate, and arrest on-line criminals. The Department of Justice is shining a light on the internet’s darkest corners – in the last year alone, our agents, prosecutors, and partners have dismantled the darknet’s largest marketplaces – Hydra Market, BreachForums, and now Genesis. Each takedown is yet another blow to the cybercrime ecosystem.”
Since its inception in March 2018, Genesis Market has offered access to data stolen from over 1.5 million compromised computers around the world containing over 80 million account access credentials. Account access credentials advertised for sale on Genesis Market included those connected to the financial sector, critical infrastructure, and federal, state, and local government agencies. Genesis Market was also one of the most prolific initial access brokers (IABs) in the cybercrime world. IABs attract criminals looking to easily infiltrate a victim’s computer system. Genesis Market offered for sale the type of access sought by ransomware actors to attack computer networks in the United States and around the world, and published private-sector reports indicate that they indeed were used by ransomware actors to attack such systems.
Genesis Market was user-friendly, providing users with the ability to search for stolen access credentials based on location and/or account type (e.g., banking, social media, email, etc.). In addition to access credentials, Genesis Market obtained and sold device “fingerprints,” which are unique combinations of device identifiers and browser cookies that circumvent anti-fraud detection systems used by many websites. The combination of stolen access credentials, fingerprints, and cookies allowed purchasers to assume the identity of the victim by tricking third party websites into thinking the Genesis Market user was the actual owner of the account.
Genesis Market users were located all over the world. Federal law enforcement has worked to identify prolific users of Genesis Market who purchased and used stolen access credentials to commit fraud and other cybercrimes. This effort resulted in hundreds of leads being sent to FBI field offices throughout the United States, as well as to foreign law enforcement partners. Further, as part of this operation, dubbed Operation Cookie Monster, law enforcement seized 11 domain names used to support Genesis Market’s infrastructure pursuant to a warrant authorized by the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Wisconsin.
“The operation being announced today is the direct result of the hard work, dedication, and exceptional collaborative efforts of the FBI and its partners around the globe,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “Along with investigative partners and our Justice Department colleagues, my office remains committed to using all available tools to protect individuals from cybercriminals like those who operate these types of online marketplaces.”
“Today’s takedown of Genesis Market is a demonstration of the FBI’s commitment to disrupting and dismantling key services used by criminals to facilitate cybercrime,” said FBI Director Christopher Wray. “The work in this case is a great example of the FBI’s ability to leverage our technical capabilities and work shoulder-to-shoulder with our international partners to take away the tools cyber criminals rely on to victimize people all across the world.”
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office investigated the case, with assistance from 44 other field offices, the U.K. National Crime Agency, Italy’s Polizia de Stato, Police of Denmark, Australian Federal Police, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Canada’s Sûreté du Québec, Romanian Police, Cybercrime Sub-directorate for French judicial police, Spain’s Policia Nacional, Spain’s Guardia Civil, Germany’s Federal Criminal Police Service, Swedish Police Authority, Poland’s Central Bureau for Combating Cybercrime, Dutch National Police, Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Switzerland’s Office of the Attorney General, Swiss Federal Police, Estonia’s Prosecutor General’s Office, Iceland’s Metropolitan Police, New Zealand Police, Eurojust, and Europol.
The Department appreciates the assistance provided by authorities in Bulgaria and Latvia in response to Mutual Legal Assistance requests.
Trial Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Jessica Peck of the Criminal Division’s Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are handling the investigation. The Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs provided significant assistance.
Victim credentials obtained over the course of the investigation have been provided to the website Have I Been Pwned, which is a free resource for people to quickly assess whether their access credentials have been compromised (or “pwned”) in a data breach or other activity. Victims can visit HaveIBeenPwned.com to see whether their credentials were compromised by Genesis Market so that they can know whether to change or modify passwords and other authentication credentials that may have been compromised.
If you have been active on Genesis Market, in contact with Genesis Market administrators, or have been a victim and need to report, please email the FBI at [email protected].
Domestic Assault on Menominee Indian Reservation Leads to 24-Month Prison Sentence for Keshena ManRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that Stephen Teller, Jr., (age: 41), a former resident of the Menominee Indian Reservation, was sentenced to 24 months in prison for an assault he committed on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Teller, an enrolled member of the Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin, pleaded guilty on December 22, 2022, to Domestic Assault by a Habitual Offender in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 117(a). At a hearing on March 28, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach imposed a total sentence of 24 months in prison, followed by 36 months on supervised release.
On July 29, 2022, officers with the Menominee Tribal Police Department responded to a 911 call from a residence in Keshena, which is on the Menominee Indian Reservation. The caller reported seeing Teller drag a screaming woman into a nearby house. Investigators subsequently learned that Teller had strangled the woman, with whom he was involved in a domestic relationship and shared a child, with his forearm and punched her in the head and back. The woman sustained injuries during the incident. Teller had previously been convicted of similar offenses in Menominee Tribal Court, which made him eligible for federal prosecution.
In sentencing Teller, Judge Griesbach noted “the fact that someone would do this to someone he had a child with is outrageous.” Judge Griesbach also reflected upon what he described as a pattern of behavior where Teller engaged in violent acts against women with whom he had a domestic relationship. Judge Griesbach emphasized the need to protect the public from the defendant and observed the need to deter others who might consider engaging in violence against women.
The Menominee Tribal Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation investigated the case. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Andrew J. Maier.
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Two Individuals Charged with Operating Multimillion-Dollar Pyramid SchemesRead the Press Release
A federal grand jury in Wisconsin returned an indictment that was unsealed yesterday charging an Illinois woman and man with running illegal multimillion-dollar pyramid schemes in at least four different states.
According to court documents, Candice V. Cunningham, 35, and Joseph E. Johnson Jr., 50, both of Chicago, allegedly operated a series of pyramid schemes that were advertised to potential victim-participants under various names, including Wealth Partners Publishing, Wealth Wise, Zero to Profit, 30 Day Success Formula, Lav Label, Beckett Group, and DTR Group. Marketing materials for the pyramid schemes allegedly misrepresented that if a victim-participant invested money in one of the schemes, that victim-participant would receive payments from other participants he or she recruited. The materials also are alleged to have falsely promised that if a victim-participant did not receive payments from other participants, the victim-participant was guaranteed that his or her initial investment would be fully refunded. Most victim-participants allegedly did not receive any payments from other participants and were denied the return of their initial investment. Cunningham, Johnson, and others obtained millions of dollars as a result of their alleged scheme.
Cunningham and Johnson are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office, and Inspector in Charge Ruth Mendonca of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service (USPIS) Chicago Division made the announcement.
The FBI and USPIS are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Amanda Swanson and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. Victims can find case updates and additional information at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-candice-v-cunningham-et-al.
An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Two Individuals Charged with Operating Illegal Multimillion-Dollar Pyramid SchemesRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined Assistant Attorney General Kenneth A. Polite, Jr. of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, and other federal officials in announcing that on March 21, 2023, a federal grand jury in Wisconsin returned an indictment that was unsealed charging an Illinois woman and man with running illegal multimillion-dollar pyramid schemes in at least four different states.
According to court documents, Candice V. Cunningham, 35, and Joseph E. Johnson Jr., 50, both of Chicago, allegedly operated a series of pyramid schemes that were advertised to victim-participants under various names including Wealth Partners Publishing, Wealth Wise, Zero to Profit, 30 Day Success Formula, Lav Label, Beckett Group, and DTR Group. Marketing materials for the pyramid schemes allegedly misrepresented that if a victim-participant invested money in one of the schemes, that victim-participant would receive payments from other participants he or she recruited.
The materials also are alleged to have falsely promised that if a victim-participant did not receive payments from other participants, the victim-participant was guaranteed that his or her initial investment would be fully refunded. Most victim-participants allegedly did not receive any payments from other participants and were denied the return of their initial investment. Cunningham, Johnson, and others obtained millions of dollars as a result of their alleged scheme.
Cunningham and Johnson are each charged with one count of conspiracy to commit mail fraud and seven counts of mail fraud. If convicted, they each face a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count.
The FBI and U.S. Postal Inspection Service are investigating the case.
Trial Attorneys Amanda Swanson and Della Sentilles of the Criminal Division’s Fraud Section and Assistant U.S. Attorney Farris Martini for the Eastern District of Wisconsin are prosecuting the case.
If you believe you are a victim in this case, please contact the Fraud Section’s Victim Witness Unit toll-free at (888) 549-3945 or by email at [email protected]. Victims can find case updates and additional information at https://www.justice.gov/criminal-vns/case/united-states-v-candice-v-cunningham-et-al.
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Mequon Man Sentenced to 18 Months’ Imprisonment for Paying Healthcare KickbacksRead the Press Release
Gregory J. Haanstad, United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that, on March 21, 2023, Alexander Shister was sentenced to 18 months’ incarceration for paying healthcare kickbacks in violation of the Anti-Kickback Statute. Shister was also ordered to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to Medicare and Medicaid as well as a $40,000 fine.
Shister owned four Milwaukee-area pharmacies. Beginning in 2016, Shister engaged in a nearly two-years’ long scheme to pay his co-defendant, David Guerrero, kickbacks in exchange for referrals of Medicare and Medicaid patients to Shister’s pharmacies for expensive compound pain creams. Shister paid Guerrero $100 for each patient referral. Guerrero was not a licensed medical provider, but he worked at two Milwaukee-area clinics and used his access at the clinics to order the pain creams from Shister’s pharmacies, often without the patients’ knowledge or consent. As a result of the scheme, Medicare and Medicaid paid Shister’s pharmacies about $1 million for medically unnecessary pain creams, including creams not even received by patients. Shister paid Guerrero over $100,000 in kickbacks during the scheme. Guerrero was previously sentenced to 32 months’ imprisonment for his role in the kickback scheme with Shister as well as a second kickback scheme involving a local medical laboratory company.
At sentencing, United States District Judge J.P. Stadtmueller emphasized the seriousness of Shister’s crime, including Shister’s breach of trust and abuse of the Medicare and Medicaid programs. Judge Stadtmueller further noted that owners of medical providers like Shister have an enhanced responsibility to ensure that their billings to Medicare and Medicaid comply with the law, rather than take advantage of the system. In addition to his sentence, Shister will also be excluded from participation in the Medicare and Medicaid programs. He has also shut down or sold his pharmacies.
“Pharmacies and other medical providers simply cannot pay kickbacks in exchange for patient referrals. As this case demonstrates, kickbacks result in Medicare and Medicaid paying for unnecessary services, rather than services that doctors determine patients actually need or that patients actually want,” said United States Attorney Haanstad. “Shister abused the trust placed in his pharmacies by the Medicare and Medicaid programs to line his own pockets. This office is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to prevent kickback schemes and other frauds against the Medicare and Medicaid programs.”
"Health care fraud affects everyone and causes tens of billions of dollars in losses each year," said Michael E. Hensle Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. "Health care fraud is a federal crime and erodes the stability of our health care system. The FBI will utilize all resources necessary to pursue those who exploit the medical system for personal gain over the needs of patients."
“The payment of kickbacks in exchange for referrals can undermine the trust that we place in our nation’s medical providers and can also result in the delivery of unnecessary and costly medical services and supplies,” said Special Agent in Charge Mario M. Pinto of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General. “Our agency is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to ensure that those who engage in these activities are held accountable.” [insert quotes from FBI and HHS OIG]
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Office of the Inspector General, Department of Health and Human Services investigated the case. Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and Michael Carter handled the prosecution.
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Wisconsin Man Pleads Guilty to Making Racially Charged Threats Toward Black ResidentsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin joined Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division in announcing that on March 23, 2023, a Wisconsin man pleaded guilty to one felony count and one misdemeanor count of intimidating and interfering with Black residents because of their race and because they were exercising their right to fair housing.
According to court documents, William McDonald, 45, of West Allis, Wisconsin, admitted that in March 2021, he vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield. McDonald then left a note on her car, filled with racial slurs, threatening to slash her throat, and demanding she move out of West Allis. A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs and giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence. In April 2022, a Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex. Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding she get out of the building.
“No one should feel unsafe in their home or be subjected to harmful and derogatory threats because of the color of their skin,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “The Justice Department will continue to protect the housing rights of all individuals and vigorously prosecute those who use racially-charged threats to drive people from their homes.”
“The conduct at issue in this case strikes at the very core of the civil rights guaranteed to every American citizen under federal law,” stated U.S. Attorney Haanstad. “I commend the courage of those targeted by Mr. McDonald for coming forward. The U.S. Attorney’s Office remains committed to working with all our federal, state, and local partners to hold individuals who violate the civil rights of others fully accountable under federal law.”
McDonald faces a maximum sentence of up to 11 years in prison. A sentencing date has been set for June 29, 2023.
This case was investigated by the FBI Milwaukee Field Division and the West Allis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Nikhil Ramnaney of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section are prosecuting the case.
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Green Bay Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Manufacturing and Trafficking 3D-Printed Ghost GunsRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 20, 2023, Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach sentenced Mitchell J. Guerrero (age: 30) to a total sentence of 46 months’ imprisonment and three years’ supervised release for manufacturing and trafficking 3D-printed firearms, commonly referred to as “ghost guns” because they lack serial numbers and thus are untraceable.
According to court records, in November 2021, investigators with the Brown County Drug Task Force searched Guerrero’s residence in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and located a 3D printing lab in his basement. Near the lab, investigators seized a fully functional 3D-printed plastic handgun, 3D-printed magazines and rounds, 3D-printed silencers, and a 3D-printed “sear” that could convert an AR-15 rifle into a fully automatic weapon. Investigators also located evidence that Guerrero was in the beginning stages of manufacturing a 3D-printed AR-15.
The 3D-printed plastic handgun was sent to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Firearms Technology Criminal Branch for a technical examination, where it successfully fired. The firearm also was subjected to a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) metal detector. During the test, the firearm successfully went through TSA screening without setting off the alarm. This is the first known fully operational plastic firearm seized by ATF that has successfully passed through a TSA metal detector.
Investigators also discovered evidence that Guerrero offered to sell ghost guns and traded one firearm for methamphetamine. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Griesbach discussed the dangerousness of trafficking untraceable firearms and noted that this type of crime will not be tolerated.
This matter was investigated by ATF and the Brown County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Alexander E. Duros.
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Green Bay Man Sentenced to Ten Years of Imprisonment for Methamphetamine Distribution ConspiracyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 10, 2023, Michael R. Chapman (age: 32) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was sentenced for conspiring to distribute over 13 kilograms of methamphetamine, in violation of Title 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a), 841(b)(1)(A), and 846.
According to court documents, between June and September of 2022, Chapman travelled to Southern California for the purpose of obtaining methamphetamine. Once in possession of the controlled substance, Chapman used the U.S. Postal system to mail the packages to his co-conspirators in Green Bay. The methamphetamine was then sold by Chapman upon his return to Wisconsin.
At sentencing, Senior U.S. District Judge William C. Griesbach noted the serious nature of Chapman’s offense and the need to send a strong message of deterrence to Chapman and anyone else who might seek to distribute drugs in Northeast Wisconsin. The judge ordered Chapman to serve ten years in federal prison to be followed by ten years of supervised release.
This case was investigated by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service and the Brown County Drug Task Force. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
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Menasha Man Indicted for Distribution of Child PornographyRead the Press Release
United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on March 7, 2023, a federal grand jury returned a two count indictment alleging that Colton H. Nelson (age: 24) of Menasha, Wisconsin, distributed child pornography in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 2252A(a)(2)(A).
According to documents filed with the court, Nelson used file sharing software to distribute digital videos and images of child pornography to undercover law enforcement. A subsequent search of Nelson’s residence revealed thousands of images and videos containing child pornography located on electronic devices in his possession. Nelson faces a mandatory 5 years’ imprisonment and up to 20 years’ imprisonment if convicted of either distribution charge. Nelson may also be fined up to $250,000 on each count.
This case was investigated by the Winnebago County Sheriff’s Office. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.
An indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse launched in May 2006, by the U.S. Department of Justice. Led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section (CEOS), Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state and local resources to better locate, apprehend and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.
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