Western District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 48 Months for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jose A. Mendoza-Cortez, 32, a citizen of Mexico found in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 48 months in prison for possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Mendoza-Cortez pleaded guilty to this charge on November 2, 2021.
On February 24, 2021, a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol stopped a vehicle on Interstate 94 in Eau Claire County, Wisconsin. While talking to the driver, the trooper smelled the odor of marijuana and alcohol coming from the car. He also saw an open bottle of beer on the floor between the passenger’s legs. During an interview, the passenger, identified as Mendoza-Cortez, admitted to having marijuana in the center console. The trooper searched the car and saw marijuana debris on the floor and a marijuana blunt in the center cup holder. As the officer continued his search, he found 20 gallon-sized plastic bags in the trunk, each containing between 372 grams and 475 grams of a crystalline substance. The total amount of the substance weighed approximately 20 pounds and tested positive for methamphetamine.
During a post-arrest interview with investigators, Mendoza-Cortez admitted that someone paid him and the driver to transport the drugs from Minnesota to Ohio.
At sentencing, Judge Conley explained that the amount of methamphetamine Mendoza-Cortez possessed could have caused a staggering amount of damage to the community. The driver, Gregorio Arreola Mendoza, has also pleaded guilty to possessing methamphetamine for distribution and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on April 5.
The charge against Mendoza-Cortez was the result of an investigation conducted by Wisconsin State Patrol, West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Eagle River Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ryan T. Shelton, 30, Eagle River, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson, to 8 years in prison for receiving child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
On May 26, 2021, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Shelton’s home. On a phone in Shelton’s pocket, officers found a video recording a conversation on a laptop screen. In the conversation a girl identifies herself as being 12 years old. To the left of the conversation, a girl can be seen engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Peterson noted that Shelton’s conduct had aggravating factors, including his actual engagement with a live 12-year-old victim, the fact that he actively engaged with other people who were interested in child exploitation, and his long-term involvement with child exploitative material.
The charge against Shelton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, and the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Boyd Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Saige T. Marten, 29, Boyd, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Marten pleaded guilty to this charge on January 11, 2022.
On June 7, 2021, West Central Drug Task Force officers purchased 55.9 grams of methamphetamine from Marten and co-defendant Samantha Fristoe through a confidential informant in Clark County, Wisconsin.
A week later, on June 14, 2021, Marten engaged in a high-speed chase on a motorcycle after an officer attempted to pull him over for speeding. Marten crashed and fled on foot, leaving behind a bag containing 162 grams of methamphetamine and his driver’s license. When later interviewed by officers, Marten admitted to selling large quantities of methamphetamine for profit.
At the time of these events, Marten was on state supervision for methamphetamine trafficking. His supervision was revoked and he is currently serving a sentence of just over a year. Judge Conley ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of the state prison sentence.
At sentencing, Judge Conley highlighted Marten’s criminal history which included multiple prior drug trafficking convictions.
Co-defendant Samantha Fristoe pleaded guilty on February 4 to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and is scheduled for a sentencing hearing before Judge Conley on May 3, 2022. Fristoe faces a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of five years and a maximum term of 40 years.
The charge against Marten was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Trask Force; Altoona and Eau Claire Police Departments; Chippewa, Clark, and Rusk County Sheriffs’ Offices; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Madison Resident Sentenced to 108 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute Cocaine and Illegally Possessing FirearmsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Andre L. McClinton, 50, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 108 months in federal prison, followed by 8 years of supervised release, for conspiracy to distribute cocaine and being a felon in possession of firearms. In addition, Judge Peterson entered a money judgment against McClinton in the amount of $313,100. McClinton also agreed to forfeit $116,890 in cash, property located in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin, three vehicles, and two firearms. McClinton pleaded guilty to the charges on December 16, 2021.
In 2020, federal and state law enforcement agencies started investigating several known cocaine traffickers in Dane County, Wisconsin. As part of this joint investigation, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) obtained state-authorized wiretaps on two phones belonging to McClinton. Over the course of several months, investigators intercepted numerous calls and text messages between McClinton and co-defendant Michael C. Henderson. Most of these conversations centered on Henderson supplying cocaine to McClinton, negotiating lower costs from a source-of-supply, improving the quality of the cocaine, and recruiting additional customers in Dane County. The conspiracy took place from September through December 2020 and resulted in McClinton purchasing approximately 9 kilograms of cocaine from Henderson.
While searching two homes belonging to McClinton, investigators found cocaine packaged for distribution, a loaded .45 caliber Glock handgun, .45 caliber ammunition, and $16,580 in cash. Agents also searched three of McClinton’s vehicles and determined they had sophisticated traps installed in the passenger compartments. Inside the vehicles and traps, agents found seven and a half pounds of marijuana, a loaded .38 caliber Smith & Wesson revolver, and $100,310 in cash.
Special agents and financial analysts from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) analyzed McClinton’s bank statements, business records, and financial transactions. As a result of this review, the FBI found evidence that McClinton used drug proceeds to purchase and improve his personal residence, which he sold after being indicted. McClinton used part of the proceeds from the sale of his house to purchase property located in Mount Horeb. McClinton commingled the remaining proceeds into bank accounts and property belonging to an uninvolved third party.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that McClinton made a career out of trafficking drugs. Judge Peterson specifically highlighted McClinton’s level of sophistication, the fact he armed himself, and the assets that McClinton acquired.
On December 9, 2021, Judge Peterson sentenced Henderson to 84 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Judge Peterson also ordered Henderson to forfeit $22,763 in cash.
The charges against McClinton were the result of an investigation conducted by DCI, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the FBI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Keith T. Jones, 28, Chicago, Illinois was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Jones pleaded guilty to this charge on December 15, 2021.
On the night of August 24, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in La Crosse. Officers learned that multiple gunshots were fired from a gray minivan towards a blue sedan. Multiple residents reported bullet hole damage to their homes from the shooting, including into a bedroom that was occupied at the time.
The next day, officers conducted a traffic stop on the gray minivan involved in the shooting. Jones was one of the occupants in the minivan at the time of the stop. Officers searched the minivan and found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun in the center console, and a spent 9mm shell casing under the driver’s seat. The Taurus handgun was identified as the same firearm used in the shooting the night before, and further investigation revealed that Jones was the shooter. In addition, analysis by the Wisconsin State Crime Lab identified Jones’ DNA on the firearm. Jones was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on a prior felony conviction.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Jones’s gun possession was connected to a shooting that occurred in a neighborhood which posed a profound risk to the community, including both the intended targets as well as bystanders. Judge Peterson said the sentence was meant to be a deterrent to Jones to prevent any future involvement with firearms, and also a message that shootings which take place in communities have to be taken seriously and will lead to steeper punishment.
Co-defendant Antwan Taylor, who was also involved in this drive-by shooting, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison by Judge Peterson on December 2, 2021.
The charge against Jones was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
Madison Man Sentenced to 17.5 Years for Sexually Exploiting Teenage Boys on Social MediaRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cash Otradovec, 31, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 17 ½ years in federal prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release, for using minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct and make pictures and videos of the conduct. Otradovec pleaded guilty to this charge on December 9, 2021.
In May 2020, the FBI in Miami, Florida, was contacted by a father who reported that an unknown person attempted to obtain nude images from his 15-year-old son through several social media platforms. The investigation revealed that an Instagram account with the name Callie and a Kik account with the name Becky had been in communication with the minor. Further investigation tied those accounts to Otradovec.
In October 2020, Otradovec was interviewed and admitted to creating the two accounts, with the Callie Instagram account dating back to 2016. Using the two accounts, the defendant posed as Becky and Callie, two college women who were friends with each other. As these personas, Otradovec communicated with six different boys, ages 15-17, and tricked them into sending sexually explicit images. When the boys would refuse to send additional images, or create the videos Otradovec wanted, he relentlessly pursued them and threated to send the images he already had to all of the boys’ followers, even after the boys begged him to stop. In one case, a boy pleaded with Otradovec saying “I’m literally going to kill myself.” Instead of stopping, Otradovec, posing as Callie, told the boy the way to make it stop is to send the picture.
In sentencing Otradovec, Judge Peterson called this crime a “very cruel exploitation of the minors,” with that cruel exploitation being the heart of the wrong. Judge Peterson observed that this was not just one moment of bad judgment, but ongoing and persistent, calling the conduct terrorizing and humiliating for the victims.
Judge Peterson recognized that Otradovec was a veteran that served his country and was close to his family, but who lived a double life. Otradovec faced a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, but Judge Peterson found his conduct so serious, it warranted a sentence of 17 ½ years.
The charge against Otradovec was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Laura Przybylinski Finn prosecuted this case.
Armed Methamphetamine Dealer Sentenced to 7 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Levonte C. Scales, 29, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams of more of methamphetamine. Scales pleaded guilty to this charge on December 13, 2021.
On June 22, 2021, officers responded to a Lake Delton hotel where they encountered the defendant, who had a felony warrant for his arrest. Outside the hotel, Scales was observed carrying two backpacks and then fleeing the scene. After a short chase, officers arrested him. In the backpacks, officers found approximately 100 grams of methamphetamine, a stolen firearm which was loaded, drug packaging materials, and $3,400.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson stated that Scales was on a troubling path and a danger to the community. Further, Judge Peterson was concerned that Scales had squandered previous terms of supervision which could have changed the course of his life.
The charge against Scales was the result of an investigation conducted by the Lake Delton Police Department, Sauk County Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Corey and Steven Anderson prosecuted this case.
Madison Man Sentenced to More Than 27 Years for Sex Trafficking of MinorsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin man has been sentenced to 330 months in federal prison for sex trafficking of minors. James Coney, 33, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson. The sentence was announced by United States Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, and Fitchburg Police Chief Alfonso Morales. This prison sentence will be followed by 25 years of supervised release.
Following a four-day trial in federal court, Coney was convicted on March 1, 2021 of four counts of sex trafficking a minor, one count of sex trafficking a minor by force, one count of attempted sex trafficking a minor, and four counts of transporting a minor from Wisconsin to Illinois for the purpose of prostitution.
The jury found that from May 2017 to March 2018, Coney trafficked five minors, attempted to traffic a sixth minor, and transported minors from Wisconsin to Illinois where they engaged in prostitution. The evidence presented at trial showed that Coney began trafficking the minors immediately after being released from state prison in May 2017. Coney used Backpage ads to arrange “dates” for the minor victims, collected the money from the customers, and instructed the minors on what to do. All six of the minor victims testified at the trial. Numerous witnesses testified that Coney was both physically and verbally abusive to the minor victim who was trafficked by Coney the longest.
The investigation of Coney began in December 2017 when one of the minor victims was reported missing by her mother to the Fitchburg Police Department. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children publicized the minor’s disappearance, and she ultimately was found in Chicago in January 2018 where she had been with Coney. Coney was arrested in March 2018 in Lake Delton, Wisconsin and found with another one of the minor victims.
“The sentence imposed today reflects the cruelty of the defendant’s use of force and intimidation to exploit the young victims of his crimes,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Our office will continue to work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to hold sex traffickers accountable and seek justice for their victims.”
“Wisconsin DOJ works every day to keep children in Wisconsin safe,” said AG Kaul. “Thank you to the hardworking men and women in DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation who worked tirelessly to bring this child sex trafficker to justice for his horrific crimes.”
“This case began with a report of a missing member of our community and through countless hours of investigation, it led to the discovery of a situation that has unfortunately become a frequent occurrence in our country. Exploiting, abusing, and traumatizing vulnerable minors is appalling and these unacceptable acts cannot be tolerated by society,” said Chief Morales. “We remain committed to partnering with our community, law enforcement agencies, and other stakeholders, to prevent and investigate these cases in order to protect our youngest and most vulnerable community members.”
Judge Peterson said the minor victims were horribly exploited and highly damaged by Coney. The Court found that Coney obstructed justice by contacting one of the minor victims over 100 times in violation of the Court’s order prohibiting his contact with the victims, and by attempting to persuade two minor victims not to testify against him. Judge Peterson said that Coney has had an unrelenting string of violations since his arrest on these charges. Judge Peterson noted that when Coney’s pretrial detention time is included, his total sentence amounts to 30 years in federal custody.
The charges against Coney are the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chicago, Lake Delton, Janesville, and Madison Police Departments; the Dane County Sheriff’s Office; and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Taylor Kraus handled the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to 51 Months for Illegally Possessing AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marvin Coates, 34, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 51 months in federal prison for illegally possessing ammunition. Coates pleaded guilty to this charge on November 30, 2021.
On June 23, 2019, shortly after 1:00 a.m., deputies from the Dane County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a fight and shots fired outside of the American Legion in Westport, Wisconsin. When deputies arrived, they secured the area and found seven Winchester .40 caliber shell casings in the parking lot. Surveillance video from an adjacent business confirmed that a fight broke out near the American Legion. The video also showed that Coates retrieved a pistol from his car, walked towards the people who were fighting, and fired seven shots into the air.
During an interview with law enforcement, Coates identified himself in the surveillance video and admitted to being a convicted felon.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted Coates’s criminal history and the serious nature of his conduct. Judge Peterson also noted that, by firing the gun, Coates brought the threat of violence to an already volatile situation.
The charge against Coates was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
La Crosse Man Charged with Producing, Distributing & Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A La Crosse, Wisconsin man is charged with child exploitation crimes in an indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison. The charges are announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Harry L. Euler, 45, with two counts of producing child pornography, two counts of receiving child pornography, and one count of distributing child pornography. The indictment alleges that these activities took place in May of 2021.
The indictment was unsealed following Euler’s arrest today in La Crosse. Euler made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today and remains in federal custody pending a trial date in July.
If convicted, Euler faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each production charge and a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years on the other charges. Each charge also carries a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum term of life on supervised release. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Polk County Woman Charged with Fraud Scheme
Sarah Anne Tischer, 42, Amery, Wisconsin, is charged with 5 counts of wire fraud in connection with her alleged misuse of an individual’s special needs trust for which she had been designated the trustee. The indictment alleges that the wire fraud was committed from October 2017 to September 2019. The indictment alleges that Tischer fraudulently obtained funds from the trust by claiming the funds were needed for home repairs that had been previously reimbursed by an insurance company, and that Tischer spent these funds on personal expenses and at a casino. The indictment also alleges that Tischer used funds from the trust to purchase property that she claimed was for recreational purposes, but records from Tischer’s insurance company show that Tischer planned to use the house for rental purposes. In addition, the indictment alleges that Tischer withdrew cash from the trust’s checking account and spent the funds at a casino.
If convicted, Tischer faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against her are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and the Polk County Human Services Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Sylvester Ray Gavins, Jr., 31, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, with possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 26, 2021, he possessed cocaine and heroin for distribution and a loaded .40 caliber firearm and .40 caliber ammunition.
If convicted, Gavins faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the possession with intent to distribute charges, and 10 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison, which federal law requires to be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
The charges against Gavins are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Three Marathon County Residents Charged with Drug Crimes
In related matters but in two separate indictments, three Marathon County residents have been charged with methamphetamine trafficking. Victor Pennington, 26, and Lucas Ellwart, 28, both of Wausau, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated from June through September 2021.
The indictment also charges them with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on June 24, 2021 and July 14, 2021, and with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution on September 14, 2021. In addition, Pennington is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on August 2, 2021.
Sarah Waggoner, 41, Norrie, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of distributing methamphetamine and 1 count of possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Waggoner distributed methamphetamine on April 9, May 10, and August 12, 2021, and that the May 10 distribution involved 50 grams or more of the drug. The indictment alleges that she possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution on September 2, 2021.
If convicted, Pennington, Ellwart and Waggoner face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the counts alleging 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the counts alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Waggoner faces a maximum of 20 years on the other two distribution counts. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Wausau Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Kansas Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Jimmy Castillo, 22, Topeka, Kansas, is charged with possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on February 19, 2022.
If convicted, Castillo faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Two Dane County Men Charged with Being Felons in Possession of Firearms
Alexander Jefferson-Cooper, 28, and Zendel Rolack, 26, both of Oregon, Wisconsin, are charged with being felons in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that on September 7, 2021 through October 5, 2021, Jefferson-Cooper possessed a Walther handgun. It further alleges that on October 5, 2021, Rolack possessed a Smith and Wesson revolver, a Cobra handgun, and a Walther handgun.
If convicted, Jefferson-Cooper and Rolack each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
DeForest Man Charged with Gun Crime
Raymond Poore, 29, DeForest, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun and 9mm ammunition on November 18, 2021.
If convicted, Poore faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Madison and Monona Police Departments, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Gun Crime
Brian D. Mitchell, 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a Glock 48 handgun and 9mm ammunition on December 22, 2021.
If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
New Mexico Man Sentenced for Travel with Intent to Engage in Illicit Sexual Conduct with MinorRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew Engelhardt, 33, of Roswell, New Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 51 months in prison for traveling from New Mexico to Wisconsin with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct with minor. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Engelhardt pleaded guilty to this charge on December 6, 2021.
In April 2019, an undercover officer posing as a 14-year-old girl received a Facebook Messenger message from Engelhardt asking her to be his girlfriend. Later in the initial conversation, Engelhardt asked “the girl” whether she would have sex with him.
Over the next two years, conversations continued on and off. In April 2021, Engelhardt told the undercover persona that he would be coming to Wisconsin to visit his sister at the end of June and asked if she would see him. The two arranged to meet at a retail store in Janesville, Wisconsin to have sex in the bathroom.
On June 30, 2021, undercover officers saw Engelhardt leave a motel in Janesville and run to the retail store where he was arrested. Agents found a condom in his pocket.
Judge Peterson indicated that a sentence of more than four years was sufficient to ensure the defendant knew that what he did was wrong.
The charge against Engelhardt was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Janesville Police Department, and U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Rockford Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Second Federal Conviction for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John Woodward, 33, Rockford, Illinois, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by a lifetime period of supervised release. Woodward pleaded guilty to this offense on December 8, 2021.
On February 11, 2010, Woodward was sentenced in the Northern District of New York to 10 years in prison for possessing child pornography. He was released to supervision on August 24, 2017. On June 26, 2018, that supervision was transferred from New York to the Northern District of Illinois.
On July 11, 2018, agents searched Woodward’s home and found at least nine printed images of child pornography and 20 images of child erotica. Agents also determined that he viewed child erotica on his cell phone. His supervised release was revoked, and he was sentenced to 24 months in prison to be followed by a life-time period of supervised release.
As it relates to the conduct charged in this case, on March 24, 2020 Woodward was again released to federal supervision. This time he was placed at Rock Valley Community Center in Janesville, Wisconsin. On August 14, 2020, while at Rock Valley he was found in possession of an unauthorized cell phone. The phone was seized and later analyzed. Woodward was interviewed following the confiscation of the phone and said he used the phone to view child pornography. An analyst was able to recover hundreds of deleted explicit images on the phone.
The charge against Woodward was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking & Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nickolas S. Fitzpatrick, 50, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 9 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Fitzpatrick pleaded guilty to these charges on October 26, 2021.
On April 3, 2021, La Crosse police officers attempted to locate Fitzpatrick due to multiple active arrest warrants. Officers found Fitzpatrick at a La Crosse motel and arrested him following a brief foot chase. After being placed in handcuffs, Fitzpatrick told the officers that he had a gun on him. Officers searched Fitzpatrick and found a Walther P22 handgun, four baggies of methamphetamine, and a pocket scale, all in a purse wrapped around his body. Officers found another bag of methamphetamine in Fitzpatrick’s coat pocket. In total, Fitzpatrick possessed over 60 grams of methamphetamine.
Fitzpatrick was prohibited from legally possessing a firearm due to multiple prior felony convictions. He was on state extended supervision for delivering heroin at the time of this incident. His criminal history includes convictions involving drug trafficking, weapon possession, and violence.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted the quantity of methamphetamine involved and Fitzpatrick’s prior history with weapons. Judge Peterson expressed concern that Fitzpatrick is capable of dangerous and violent conduct and the sentence ordered was necessary to protect the community.
The charges against Fitzpatrick were the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Illinois Man Sentenced for Robbery of Retail Store in Lake DeltonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cortez Thurmond, 29, Gurnee, Illinois, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 8 ½ years in federal prison for robbery of a retail store in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. Thurmond pleaded guilty to this charge on October 20, 2021.
On July 28, 2020, Thurmond and his co-defendant Deon Brown robbed the Alpha Red Studio in Lake Delton. A few minutes later, and less than a mile away, Thurmond and Brown robbed Gifts of the World retail store. Video surveillance from Gifts of the World showed Thurmond and Brown taking money from the store and customers. During the robbery, Brown carried a firearm with an extended magazine and struck a customer in the back of the head with it.
At the time of the robberies, Thurmond was on active state supervision in Illinois for a felony burglary conviction. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson noted that Thurmond had an extensive criminal history including prior convictions for home invasion and burglary. Judge Peterson also noted that he had a duty to protect the public from Thurmond’s “really dangerous offenses.”
Brown pleaded guilty on January 26, 2022 to robbing Gifts of the World with Thurmond. Brown will be sentenced by Judge Peterson on April 20, 2022.
Thurmond and Brown also face federal charges in the Eastern District of Wisconsin, where a grand jury returned an indictment charging Thurmond and Brown with conspiring to rob various commercial establishments in Racine and Kenosha. This indictment was returned by the grand jury on January 11, 2022. With regard to these charges, you are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
The charges against Thurmond and Brown were a result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Lake Delton Police Department, and the Racine Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner handled the prosecution.
Verona Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that William Heitman, 35, Verona, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This sentence will be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Judge Conley also ordered the defendant to pay $9,000 in restitution to three of the victims depicted in the images Heitman possessed.
In June 2020, Verona police officers found Heitman in a park sleeping in his car. Heitman told officers that he was recently released from state prison after serving a sentence for possessing child pornography. Officers learned that Heitman was on extended supervision for that offense. During a search of Heitman’s car, officers found two SD cards containing well over 1,000 videos of children engaged in sexually explicit conduct. Heitman admitted to downloading the images and admitted to being an administrator for two groups engaged in trading images of child pornography. In his role as administrator, Heitman solicited images of child pornography from individuals who wanted to join the groups.
In sentencing Heitman, Judge Conley was concerned about Heitman’s failure to engage in treatment while in state prison the first time, and that he seemed to have no understanding of the seriousness of the offense. Judge Conley observed that this made Heitman a dangerous person in need of a lengthy prison term. Heitman’s role as an administrator of groups trading child pornography also made him an active part of the plague of child pornography on the internet.
Heitman’s state supervision was revoked in July 2020, in part as a result of the conduct included in the federal offense. Accordingly, Judge Conley imposed the federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of the defendant’s four-year state sentence.
The charge against Heitman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Verona Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Laura Przybylinski Finn prosecuted this case.
Baraboo Man Sentenced to 37 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony James Wilson, 29, Baraboo, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 37 months in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release, for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 3, 2021, Sauk County Sheriff’s deputies were responding to a report of an armed assault and they attempted to stop the suspect vehicle. Wilson was the driver and fled from officers at a high rate of speed. Deputies later took him into custody near a school, which was placed in lockdown as a result of the incident. Wilson was asked about whether he had a gun, and he ultimately said that he did and agreed to show them where he hid it so that school children would not find it. Deputies recovered a Smith & Wesson .357 Magnum revolver loaded with six rounds of ammunition.
Wilson had prior felony convictions including for theft of a firearm. At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that there were significant concerns about the defendant that indicated a need to protect the public.
The charge against Wilson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Rock County Man Convicted of Sex Trafficking Adult & Minor VictimsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke and U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea today announced the conviction of Cory Hereford, age 50, of Beloit, Wisconsin, in the Western District of Wisconsin, on charges of sex trafficking, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking, maintaining a property for the purposes of distributing and using controlled substances, and of having committed sex trafficking of a minor while being a person previously convicted of a crime that required registering as a sex offender. The jury reached a verdict yesterday evening after five hours of deliberation following a four-day trial in federal court in Madison, Wisconsin.
The government presented evidence at trial that Hereford targeted vulnerable young women struggling with drug addition, one of whom was a minor – 16 years old at the time – to engage in commercial sex. He enticed the victims with access to heroin, and in some instances threatened to withhold the heroin to induce withdrawal sickness as a means of compelling the victims to engage in prostitution for his profit. In other instances, Hereford threatened physical violence to achieve his criminal ends.
The evidence demonstrated that Hereford conspired with his co-defendant, Tonyiel Partee, 30, of Janesville, Wisconsin, to recruit victims and compel their commercial sex work. Partee pled guilty to conspiracy to commit sex trafficking in July 2021. Other evidence at trial showed that Hereford maintained a home on South Franklin Street in Janesville, for the purposes of distributing and using controlled substances, specifically heroin and cocaine. Cory Hereford was previously convicted of second-degree sexual assault of a child in the State of Wisconsin, which required him to register as a sex offender.
“This defendant preyed on vulnerable members of our society – young women and girls addicted to drugs,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “Using their addictions to lure them deeper into the world of drugs and prostitution, he trafficked these victims for his own greed, without regard to their age, their pain, or their safety. We will continue to enforce our human trafficking laws to restore freedom and dignity to victims of this crime.”
“Mr. Hereford targeted and exploited young and vulnerable women, forcing them into commercial sex to generate income for him. I comend the trial team, investigators, and victim advocates for their commitment and diligence,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy O’Shea of the Western District of Wisconsin. “These guilty verdicts show that my office and Wisconsin law enforcement are united against sex trafficking.”
“The Janesville Police Dpartment appreciates the assistance of our federal partners on this important and complex case,” said Chief David J. Moore of the Janesville Police Department. “This investigation illustrates the methods that human traffickers use by exploiting our most vulnerable children. Contrary to the beliefs of many, these criminals do not abduct these victims on a street corner but cultivate the victims over a lengthy period of time. As a community, we need to understand these appalling methods and look out for those in our community that may fall prey to these criminals. We need to learn that when we see suspicious activity, report it to a responsible authority.”
The court will sentence Hereford on May 12, 2022. The sex trafficking charge involving a minor carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge of committing a crime involving a minor while a committed felon required to register as a sex offender has a mandatory 10-year penalty that federal law requires be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the sex trafficking of a minor. The charge of maintaining a drug house has a maximum penalty of 20 years.
The case was investigated by Janesville Police Department, with the assistance of Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Rock County Sheriff’s Office. It is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger of the Western District of Wisconsin, and Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit.
To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, call 888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at www.HumanTraffickingHotline.org . The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.
Grand Jury Returns Two IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Keante K. Gunn, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with one count of distributing heroin and crack cocaine, two counts of distributing heroin, fentanyl, and crack cocaine, one count of distributing fentanyl and crack cocaine, and one count of possessing heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment charges that the distributions occurred in April 2021 and that he possessed heroin, fentanyl, crack cocaine, and methamphetamine for distribution on June 16, 2021.
The indictment also charges Gunn with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. It alleges that on June 16, 2021, he possessed a 9mm handgun and ammunition.
If convicted, Gunn faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the drug counts and a maximum of 10 years on the gun count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Marquette County Man Charged with Gun Crime
Charles Leofilos, 34, Oxford, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on March 15, 2021, he possessed a Taurus handgun.
If convicted, Leofilos faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
The indictments charging Gunn and Leofilos have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and violent crimes and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Leadership Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Stone III, 29, St. Paul, Minnesota was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for his leadership role in a heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine conspiracy. Stone pleaded guilty on November 17, 2021 to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
David Stone was distributing heroin and methamphetamine in Northwestern Wisconsin in 2019 and 2020. In February 2020, he was incarcerated on an unrelated matter. Investigators listened to over 3,000 hours of phone calls Stone made from jail and learned that he was orchestrating a large-scale drug-trafficking operation while in custody.
Stone called his source in Minnesota to arrange for the sale of the drugs and then called his co-conspirators in Wisconsin to arrange for the pickup. Stone was very specific in the calls to his co-conspirators, directing them when to leave Wisconsin, how much to pay for the drugs, how to break them down into smaller quantities, and where to redistribute them. Stone controlled every aspect of the operation and was considered the leader for purposes of sentencing. Stone’s relevant conduct includes approximately 270 grams of methamphetamine and 75 grams of fentanyl.
Stone has an extensive criminal history that is largely drug and alcohol related, but with some crimes involving violence and weapons. Judge Conley remarked that the 10-year sentence was appropriate given Stone’s significant criminal history, flippant attitude towards supervision, and the scale of the drug-trafficking operation.
Stone is the second of the conspiracy to be sentenced. Marcie Leoso was sentenced on January 26, 2021 to 5 years in prison. The three other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to federal charges. Chai Vang is to be sentenced by Judge Conley on April 26, Aaron Guski on April 28, and Mala Persaud on May 4.
The charges against David Stone III were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Ashland Police Department, Washburn Police Department, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office; Drug Enforcement Administration; Red Cliff Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 18 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Boyle, 44, Wausau, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 18 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearms.
In May 2020, law enforcement agents learned that Boyle was receiving cocaine and THC through the U.S. Mail at his residence at that time in Marshfield, Wisconsin. The investigation revealed that during one week the residence received 27 packages from various addresses in California. Agents intercepted one package and found 26 grams of cocaine and 29 grams of THC wax inside.
Police investigators executed a search warrant at Boyle’s residence. In his bedroom they found two rifles, three handguns, ammunition, approximately 300 grams of marijuana, 14 grams of cocaine, and over $4,000 in cash. Boyle admitted to selling cocaine. He said that he purchased the firearms found in the house and admitted that he had a prior felony conviction from Nebraska.
At sentencing, Boyle said that his drug dealing was motivated by financial gain, but it was a mistake and he never thought he would be in front of a federal judge for it. Judge Peterson had concerns about Boyle’s judgment and reasoning, saying that the felony conviction in Nebraska should have been a wakeup call. Judge Peterson also recognized that cocaine was an addictive and damaging drug and said that Boyle’s drug dealing was aggravated by his possession of firearms. Boyle was also ordered to participate in three years of supervised release.
The charge against Boyle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Marshfield Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan handled the prosecution.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Former Sun Prairie Electrical Contractor Sentenced to 18 Months for Failing to Pay Employment TaxesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph Kott, 44, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to an 18-month federal prison term for willfully failing to pay over income tax and employment tax withholdings to the Internal Revenue Service for five years from 2014 to 2018. The judge also ordered Kott to serve two years of supervised release after imprisonment, and to pay restitution of $622,702.08 to the IRS. Kott pleaded guilty to this tax charge at today's combined plea and sentencing hearing.
According to the indictment, Kott, a licensed master electrician, owned and operated Alpha Electric, LLC, which was an electrical installation and service contracting business located in Sun Prairie. Kott owned the business since 2002 and was responsible for all aspects of Alpha's business operations, including accounting, finance, banking, payroll, hiring and firing of employees, paying bills, paying employees, and issuing Forms W-2. For tax years 2014 through 2018, Kott failed to pay over a total of $428,966 in withheld income taxes and employment taxes. The indictment also alleged that Kott failed to pay the employer's matching share of FICA and Medicare taxes which totaled another $193,739.
At today's sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that the biggest driver for a significant custodial sentence in this case was the need to send a general deterrence message to the public, and especially other employers, to not cheat on paying taxes to the IRS. The judge noted that members of the business community need to know that if they get caught cheating, they will face significant penalties including substantial prison time, and the payment of tax penalties and restitution to the IRS. Judge Peterson pointed out that Kott committed a very serious tax offense, both in terms of the long time period (five consecutive years), as well as the large tax amount ($622,702), evaded by Kott.
The judge rejected the defense argument that Kott should not be imprisoned because of the COVID pandemic, noting that the pandemic does not take incarceration off the table in criminal cases. The judge recognized that the federal Bureau of Prison has worked hard to protect the prison population during the pandemic.
Judge Peterson set Kott's prison report date for April 7, 2022.
The charges against Kott were the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber handled the prosecution.
Minnesota Man Charged with Aiming Laser Pointer at AircraftRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Rochester, Minnesota man is charged with 2 counts of aiming the beam of a laser pointer at aircraft, announced Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment, which was returned on January 26, 2022 by a grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, charges Nicholas James Link, 42. The indictment alleges that on October 29, 2021, Link aimed the beam of a laser pointer at a Delta Airlines commercial aircraft and at a Minnesota State Patrol aircraft. The indictment alleges that he did so while in Wisconsin.
The indictment was unsealed yesterday. Link’s initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been scheduled.
If convicted, Link faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Minnesota State Patrol, and River Falls (Wisconsin) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Oxford Felon Sentenced to 2 Years of Federal Supervision for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Stephen J. Robeson, 58, of Oxford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to one day in custody with credit for time served for being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was also ordered to spend two years on supervised release. Robeson pleaded guilty to this charge on October 19, 2021.
On September 26, 2020, Robeson bought a .50 caliber rifle from a man he met at church. The man delivered the gun to Robeson and went shooting with him before the purchase was finalized. Several months later, Robeson sold the gun to a person he met on Facebook messenger. At the time of the purchase, Robeson knew that he was not allowed to possess the firearm because he had previously been convicted of felony insurance fraud.
In sentencing Robeson to supervised release, Judge Conley noted that while the defendant had an extensive criminal history, his last conviction was in 2005. He also found it mitigating that the defendant possessed a long gun suitable for collection and only possessed it for a short period of time.
The charge against Robeson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Chadwick Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Justice Department Announces National Strategy to Combat Human TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney General Merrick B. Garland yesterday released the Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking pursuant to the Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act.
Rooted in the foundational pillars and priorities of the interagency National Action Plan to Combat Human Trafficking, which President Biden released on Dec. 3, 2021, the Justice Department's National Strategy is expansive in scope. It aims to enhance the department's capacity to prevent human trafficking; to prosecute human trafficking cases; and to support and protect human trafficking victims and survivors.
“Human trafficking is an insidious crime,” said Attorney General Garland. “Traffickers exploit and endanger some of the most vulnerable members of our society and cause their victims unimaginable harm. The Justice Department’s new National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking will bring the full force of the Department to this fight.”
“Our office has dedicated resources to prosecute trafficking crimes and respond to the needs of the victims,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “We are committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to coordinate efforts to bring to justice those who use violence, intimidation, coercion, or fear to exploit their victims.”
Among other things, the Justice Department’s multi-year strategy to combat all forms of human trafficking will:
- Strengthen engagement, coordination, and joint efforts to combat human trafficking by prosecutors in all 94 U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and by federal law enforcement agents nationwide.
- Establish federally funded, locally led anti-human trafficking task forces that support sustained state law enforcement leadership and comprehensive victim assistance.
- Step up departmental efforts to end forced labor by increasing attention, resources and coordination in labor trafficking investigations and prosecutions.
- Enhance initiatives to reduce vulnerability of American Indians and Alaska Natives to violent crime, including human trafficking, and to locate missing children.
- Develop and implement new victim screening protocols to identify potential human trafficking victims during law enforcement operations and encourage victims to share important information.
- Increase capacity to provide victim-centered assistance to trafficking survivors, including by supporting efforts to deliver financial restoration to victims.
- Expand dissemination of federal human trafficking training, guidance, and expertise.
- Advance innovative demand-reduction strategies.
The department’s strategy will be implemented under the direction of the National Human Trafficking Coordinator designated by the Attorney General in accordance with the Abolish Human Trafficking Act of 2017.
If you believe that you or someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, please contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, or Text 233733.
To read the National Strategy to Combat Human Trafficking click here.
Washburn Woman Sentenced to 5 Years for Her Role in Drug ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marcie Leoso, 40, Washburn, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for her role in a heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine conspiracy. Leoso pleaded guilty on September 28, 2021 to conspiring to distribute heroin and fentanyl.
In April and May 2020, Leoso made several trips with her co-conspirator Aaron Guski to pick up heroin, fentanyl, and methamphetamine from a source in Minnesota to redistribute in the Bayfield and Ashland areas. The leader of the conspiracy, David Stone, while incarcerated in state custody, directed his associates, including Leoso, on when to pick up drugs, how much to pay, and how and where to distribute them throughout the area. Leoso’s relevant conduct included 75 grams of fentanyl/heroin and over 3 ounces of methamphetamine.
Judge Conley remarked on how unbelievable it was that so many people were willing to participate in a drug conspiracy orchestrated via phone calls from an individual in custody.
Leoso is the first member of the conspiracy to be sentenced. The four other co-conspirators have pleaded guilty to federal charges. David Stone is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on February 16, Chai Vang on April 26, Aaron Guski on April 28, and Mala Persaud on May 4.
The charges against these five individuals are the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ashland Police Department, Washburn Police Department, Ashland County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Red Cliff Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Grand Jury Returns Two IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Juneau County Man Charged with Receiving Child Pornography
Kyle Orlando Luke, 26, Lyndon Station, Wisconsin, is charged with receiving a visual depiction of child pornography. The indictment alleges that on December 29, 2021, Luke received a video via Snapchat depicting a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Luke faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Woman Charged with Drug Crimes
Kojoua Vu, 32, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine and with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that she distributed methamphetamine on August 18, 2021 and that she possessed methamphetamine for distribution on October 28, 2021.
If convicted, Vu faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the distribution charge, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The charges against her are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse, Onalaska, and Campbell Police Departments and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Sentenced to 4 Years for Conspiring to Sex Traffic a MinorRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason J. Jordan, 49, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years in federal prison for conspiracy to traffic a minor. This prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Jordan pleaded guilty to this charge on October 18, 2021.
This case came to light on February 2, 2021, when management at a hotel in Middleton, Wisconsin contacted law enforcement about a guest who had overstayed a reservation. When police responded to the hotel, they found a 16-year-old girl alone in a room rented in Jordan’s name. Interviews with the victim and further investigation revealed that the victim was from Utah, where she had been essentially homeless for several weeks at the end of 2020. In January 2021, a Wisconsin man she met in Utah bought her an Amtrak ticket and transported her to Wisconsin. When she arrived in Wisconsin, he told her that she was expected to perform sex acts for money.
Once in Wisconsin she met Jordan, an associate of the man who transported her to Wisconsin. The victim was in Wisconsin for approximately three weeks and during that time, Jordan transported her to hotels and rented rooms for commercial sex acts. In addition, on January 20, 2021, Jordan posted ads for the victim on a commercial sex website, arranged for the commercial sex to take place, and collected the money from the victim after the sex acts occurred.
The charge against Jordan was the result of an investigation conducted by the Middleton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.
Former Defense Contractor Sentenced to 10 Years for Fraud, Money Laundering & ID TheftRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Craig Klund, 58, Yankton, South Dakota, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for wire fraud, money laundering, and aggravated identity theft.
Klund, formerly from Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to wire fraud against the U.S. Department of Defense, as well as money laundering by moving in increments over $10,000 the proceeds of his fraud scheme into multiple bank accounts. Judge Peterson imposed a 96-month sentence on each of these counts to run concurrently. Klund also pleaded guilty to aggravated identity theft when he used another’s identity as a nominee owner of one of Klund's defense contracting entities. Judge Peterson imposed a 24-month sentence as to this charge to run consecutive to the concurrent 96-month wire fraud and money laundering sentences. Klund's total prison sentence is 120 months, which will be followed by three years of supervised release. Judge Peterson also ordered Klund to pay $435,822.71 in restitution.
According to the indictment, Klund was a military contractor who supplied electrical parts to the various branches of the U.S. military, including the U.S. Army for the Patriot Missile System and the U.S. Air Force for the F-16 jet fighter. From 2011 through July 17, 2019, Klund executed a scheme to defraud the DoD by obtaining defense contracts under false pretenses.
Klund's fraud scheme included: (1) use of 15 shell corporations to hide his control of entities bidding on DoD contracts; (2) use of multiple aliases; (3) repeated identity theft; (4) collusive bids submitted by multiple Klund entities on the same contract; (5) knowingly shipping nonconforming parts and requesting payment for these parts; (6) signing Federal Acquisition Regulation certificates using fake names; (7) lying to Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA) inspectors by claiming to be someone other than himself; (8) relocating his business from Wisconsin to South Dakota to evade DCMA inspectors who were questioning his operations in Wisconsin; (9) concealing receipt of DoD proceeds by not reporting these monies on his federal income tax returns; and (10) laundering DoD proceeds by moving the funds between accounts.
Using 15 different shell entities, Klund submitted 5,750 bids and was awarded 1,928 contracts worth $7,468,638. These contracts were for parts for the U.S. Army, Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. He was paid $2,905,484 during the fraud scheme.
At today's sentencing, after listening to Klund's allocution, Judge Peterson told Klund he thought Klund was a liar, who lied to the Department of the Defense over a long period of time, and to the judge as well. The judge also noted that Klund was an unusual fraud defendant because Klund had three previous federal felony convictions, two of which were for defense contracting fraud, making his criminal history a very important factor in the judge's sentencing analysis.
Judge Peterson explained that this case involved an extensive fraud scheme that caused significant harm to the government because it was duped into contracting with a two-time convicted defense contracting felon and was receiving parts from someone with whom it did not want to deal. The Court noted that deserving contractors, who played by the rules, were also victimized by Klund's criminal conduct.
In imposing this substantial sentence, Judge Peterson noted the need to protect the public and the U.S. government from a repeated fraudster who is dishonest, and who was supplied defective parts to the military that had the capacity to harm military personnel and the public.
The charges against klung were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense - Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigation Service; General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General; IRS Criminal Investigation; Air Force Office of Special Investigations; Army Criminal Investigation Command, Major Procurement Fraud Unit; and Naval Criminal Investigative Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber handled the prosecution.
Ten Charged with Offenses Related to Multi-Year Cocaine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Three indictments have been unsealed charging a total of 10 people with participating in a cocaine conspiracy, announced Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. The indictments were returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on January 5, 2022.
The first indictment charges:
1. Winfield Agee, 35, Chicago, Illinois;
2. Darryl McDonald, 38, Chicago;
3. Jason Hall, 36, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin;
4. Nikia Cannon, 46, Chicago;
5. Kiayla Alston, 28, Madison;
6. Daniel Barlow, 34, Madison;
7. Daren Jones, 27, Madison; and
8. Larry Dotson, 40, Madison.
This indictment charges that from December 2014 to November 2020, Winfield Agee and Darryl McDonald conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 5 kilograms or more of cocaine. The indictment also charges that from November 2010 to July 2020, Agee conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute marijuana. If convicted, Agee and McDonald face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life on the cocaine conspiracy charge, and Agee faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on the marijuana conspiracy. Agee was arrested in Chicago on January 12, 2022 and his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison occurred on the same day. McDonald was arrested in Indiana on January 12, 2022. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Fort Wayne, Indiana occurred on January 13, 2022.
The indictment also charges that from December 2018 to May 2020, Jason Hall conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. The indictment alleges that the amount of cocaine attributable to Hall was 500 grams or more. In addition, the indictment charges Hall with 5 counts of distributing cocaine in April and May 2020, and with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on February 24, 2021. If convicted, Hall faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life on the cocaine conspiracy charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the other 6 charges. Hall was arrested in Madison on January 13 and his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison occurred on the same day.
The indictment charges that from December 2018 to May 2020, Nikia Cannon and Kiayla Alston conspired to distribute and possess with intent to distribute cocaine. If convicted, they face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Cannon was arrested in Chicago, Illinois on January 13, 2022 and her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Chicago occurred on the same day. Alston was arrested in Madison on January 13, 2022 and her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison occurred on the same day.
The indictment charges Daren Jones with 3 counts of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed cocaine for distribution on April 26, April 30, and May 6, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. Jones was arrested in Madison on January 13, 2022. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison is scheduled for today.
The indictment charges Daniel Barlow with 2 counts of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed cocaine for distribution on April 24 and May 5, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. Barlow was already in custody on an unrelated matter. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been scheduled.
Finally, the indictment charges Larry Dotson with attempting to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute on November 25, 2020. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. Dotson was arrested in Madison on January 12, 2022. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been scheduled.
The second indictment charges Shaneeque Parker, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on November 25, 2020. If convicted, Parker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been scheduled.
The third indictment charges Brian Battle, 44, Jefferson, Wisconsin, with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on April 25, 2021, he possessed cocaine for distribution and a firearm. If convicted, Battle faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the cocaine charge and a maximum of 10 years on the gun charge. His initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been scheduled.
The charges against these individuals are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Dane County Narcotics Task Force; Jefferson County Narcotics Task Force; Madison Police Department; and Chicago Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Rhinelander Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Attempted Child EnticementRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Richard M. Duellman, 43, Rhinelander, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison and 5 years of supervised release to follow, for attempting to persuade and entice a minor to engage in criminal sexual activity.
On July 21, 2020, Duellman began chatting online with an undercover detective pretending to be a 15-year-old girl. During those chats, Duellman gave the detective a cell phone number and they began to text message each other. The two exchanged text messages for several hours, during which the detective told the defendant “she” was 15 and the defendant said numerous times he wanted to “get in her pants.” The defendant then talked on the phone to a second undercover employee pretending to be the same 15-year-old girl, during which the defendant again discussed getting into the girl’s pants and asked about having sex. Duellman and the undercover employee agreed to meet at a business in Rhinelander that same day, and the defendant was taken into custody shortly after he arrived.
In a post-arrest interview, Duellman admitted meeting a female online and said the female told him that she was 15 years old. He said they had conversations about sexual things and birth control and then he decided to meet her. At today’s hearing, the defendant admitted that he intended to meet the girl to have sex with her.
In sentencing Duellman, Judge Peterson expressed his concern about the defendant’s criminal history and continued sexual interest in teenage girls, noting that a 10-year sentence was warranted to protect the public.
The charge against Duellman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Rhinelander Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Steven S. McCurdy, 64, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. McCurdy pleaded guilty to this charge on October 12, 2021.
On November 30, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers purchased 15.5 grams of methamphetamine from McCurdy through a confidential informant. Months later, on March 1, 2021, officers purchased 15.1 grams of methamphetamine from McCurdy, again through a confidential informant. Later that day, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for McCurdy’s residence in La Crosse and found 138.1 grams of methamphetamine and $8,519 in cash.
When interviewed by officers, McCurdy admitted to selling methamphetamine for profit.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted the quantity of methamphetamine involved, McCurdy’s lengthy criminal history that included prior drug trafficking, his poor performance while previously on supervision, and the dangers his drug dealing posed to the community at large.
The charge against McCurdy was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse and Campbell Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also assisted in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Three Trempealeau County Men Charged with Cocaine Conspiracy
Mark Ian Castro, 29, Cristian Andre Vazquez Velez, 22, and Michael Carmenatty Justiniano, 40, all of Independence, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. The indictment alleges that this conspiracy operated from August 2020 to July 2021.
The indictment further alleges that on June 29, 2021, Mark Ian Castro and Cristian Andre Vazquez Velez possessed firearms in furtherance of this drug trafficking crime. The indictment also charges these two men with attempting to possess cocaine for distribution on July 6, 2021, and with attempting to possess 500 grams of more of cocaine for distribution on July 14, 2021.
If convicted, each of the three defendants face a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the conspiracy charge. Mark Ian Castro and Cristian Andre Vazquez Velez each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years on the charge of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Federal law requires that any sentence imposed on this charge be served consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed. Those two also each face a maximum of 20 years on the charge of attempting to possess cocaine for distribution, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge of attempting to possess 500 grams or more of cocaine for distribution.
The charges against the defendants are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service–Office of Inspector General; U.S. Postal Inspection Service; Drug Enforcement Administration; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office; Winona County (Minnesota) Sheriff’s Office; Arcadia Police Department; and Independence Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Beloit Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Eshawn M. Reed, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of distributing crack cocaine, 1 count of possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, 1 count of being a felon in possession of a firearm, and 1 count of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Reed distributed crack cocaine on April 6, July 19, and August 5, 2021. The indictment further alleges that on August 10, 2021, he possessed crack cocaine for distribution and a loaded Ruger 57 handgun.
If convicted, Reed faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the distribution charges and the charge of possessing crack cocaine for distribution. The felon in possession of a firearm charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years and the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years. Federal law requires that any sentence imposed on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The charges against Reed are the result of an investigation by the City and Town of Beloit Police Departments, Janesville Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Fentanyl
Antoine Hardie, 36, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with 5 counts of distributing fentanyl. The indictment alleges that Hardie distributed fentanyl on June 24, June 30, July 14, September 14, and September 17, 2021.
If convicted, Hardie faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the distribution charges. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, La Crosse Police Department, and Holmen Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin is handling the prosecution.
Wausau Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Jacob Ring, 30, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and 1 count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on June 18 and July 15, 2021 and that he possessed methamphetamine for distribution on August 13, 2021.
If convicted, Ring faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force; Wausau Police Department; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Middleton Man Charged with Gun Crime
Ramar A. Brown, 26, Middleton, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on October 12, 2021, Brown possessed a 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Brown faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Ashland Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography
Adam M. Smith, 34, Ashland, Wisconsin, is charged with 1 count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on September 20, 2021, Smith possessed a Lenovo tablet containing visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Ashland Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the investigation.
Former Milwaukee County Judge Sentenced to 9 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul announced that Brett Blomme, 39, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 9 years in prison, followed by 20 years of supervised release, for distributing child pornography. Blomme pleaded guilty to this charge on September 28, 2021. At the time he committed this offense, Blomme was a Milwaukee County Children’s Court judge.
On January 28, 2021, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) received a CyberTip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. According to the CyberTip, a person with the username “dommasterbb” used Kik Messenger to distribute 27 files of child pornography. The images and videos showed prepubescent children posing in lewd and lascivious positions, underage children performing sexual acts on adults, and adults sexually abusing minors.
DCI obtained a search warrant for dommasterbb’s Kik account. In response to this warrant, DCI agents received detailed information associated with dommasterbb’s profile, which included a personal email address. Information from the email provider showed Blomme used the email address linked to dommasterbb’s Kik account.
DCI agents also reviewed log files they received from Kik. These log files captured transactional data each time dommasterbb distributed the child pornography, including the IP address. Subscriber information associated with the IP addresses showed Blomme distributed child pornography from his house in Cottage Grove, a residence in the Milwaukee area, and the Milwaukee County Children’s Court Center where he worked.
When DCI agents executed a search warrant at Blomme’s residence, they found electronic devices that contained numerous text messages between Blomme and other individuals that centered on Blomme’s sexual interest in children.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted the egregious nature of the material Blomme distributed and described it as the “worst of the worst.” Judge Peterson also noted that Blomme’s sustained pattern of illegal behavior while sitting as a judge was an aggravating factor that supported a significant term of imprisonment.
“Today’s sentence sends an unambiguous message that we will track down and hold accountable those who distribute child sexual abuse material,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Every time an image of child sexual abuse is shared, it re-victimizes that child. No one is above the law and I am grateful to our law enforcement partners who helped ensure that the defendant would be held accountable for his crimes.”
“The Wisconsin Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation does important work to protect children’s safety, including investigating internet crimes against children,” said Attorney General Kaul. “Thank you to the investigators and prosecutors who have ensured that these heinous and deeply disturbing crimes have resulted in serious consequences.”
The charge against Blomme was the result of an investigation conducted by DCI. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma and Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General David Maas prosecuted this case.
US Attorney's Office Collects over $6.2 Million in Civil & Criminal Actions in Fiscal Year 2021Read the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced today that the Western District of Wisconsin collected $6,273,129.96 in criminal and civil actions in Fiscal Year 2021. Of this amount, $1,284,157.17 was collected in criminal actions and $4,988,972.79 was collected in civil actions. Fiscal Year 2021 is the 12 months from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021.
Additionally, the Western District of Wisconsin worked with other U.S. Attorney’s Offices and components of the Justice Department to collect an additional $483,860.23 in cases pursued jointly by these offices.
“Our office has made collecting money owed to crime victims and to the United States in criminal and civil cases a priority,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “We will work to hold criminal defendants responsible for their crimes and ensure that individuals and companies that violate federal laws or owe the government money are held financially accountable for their actions.”
In a significant civil case in 2021, AutoGenomics, Inc. agreed to pay the United States $2.538 million to resolve allegations that it violated the False Claims Act and Anti-Kickback Statute by engaging in a scheme to bill Medicare for molecular genetic testing performed for nursing home patients that were induced by a kickback payment for the referral of the tests. In a criminal matter, the office collected over $1 million from six defendants who were charged and convicted in a federal tax scheme where vendors and bar owners skimmed video gambling machine cash receipts. The defendants defrauded the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue by failing to pay federal and state income taxes, as well as state sales taxes, on the gambling revenues.
The U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, along with the Justice Department’s litigating divisions, are responsible for enforcing and collecting civil and criminal debts owed to the U.S. and criminal debts owed to federal crime victims. The law requires defendants to pay restitution to victims of certain federal crimes who have suffered a physical injury or financial loss. While restitution is paid to the victim, criminal fines and felony assessments are paid to the federal Crime Victims Fund, which distributes the funds collected to federal and state victim compensation and victim assistance programs. In Fiscal Year 2021, Wisconsin was awarded over $18.25 million in victim assistance funds and over $2.48 million in victim compensation funds.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Dealing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jacob A. Willox, 28, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 12 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
In May 2020, a confidential informant purchased three ounces of methamphetamine from Willox in Wausau after Willox indicated he had 12 ounces of methamphetamine for sale. Then, in October 2020, officers arrested Willox at a residence where he attempted to flush additional methamphetamine down a sink. Officers were able to recover some of that methamphetamine. They also found nearly $30,000 in drug proceeds, a drug ledger, a firearm magazine, and brass knuckles at the residence.
Further investigation revealed Willox was responsible for selling multiple pounds of methamphetamine throughout the Wausau area, and regularly possessed firearms during his drug deals. Willox was prohibited from legally possessing firearms as the result of prior felony convictions.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Willox’s crimes contributed to the bigger issue of methamphetamine addiction in the community, and that his possession of firearms while dealing posed an additional danger. Judge Conley reasoned that a sentence of 12 years was appropriate to protect the community and offer rehabilitation to Willox, who has a history of drug addiction.
The charges against Willox were the result of an investigation conducted by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert A. Anderson and Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christopher H. McCartney, 36, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 90 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This term of prison will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. McCartney pleaded guilty to this charge on September 27, 2021.
On April 30, 2021, La Crosse Police Department officers conducted a traffic stop in La Crosse on a Chevrolet Impala being driven by McCartney. After a positive K-9 alert, officers searched the Impala and located multiple bags containing a total of 118 grams of methamphetamine. McCartney had $1,342 in cash on his person.
Based on the drugs found during the traffic stop and because of McCartney’s supervision status, law enforcement officers searched his residence in La Crosse. There they found more bags of methamphetamine which weighed a total of 78 grams, as well as $3,500 in cash.
When interviewed by officers, McCartney admitted to selling methamphetamine for profit.
At the time of these events, McCartney was on state supervision for methamphetamine trafficking and out on state criminal bond for two other methamphetamine related cases. His supervision was revoked and he is currently serving a sentence of 27 months in state prison. Judge Conley ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the state prison sentence.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley highlighted McCartney’s criminal history that included the prior conviction for methamphetamine trafficking which resulted in a six-year state prison sentence in 2016.
The charge against McCartney was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Justice Department Awards More Than $17.5 Million to Support Project Safe NeighborhoodsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – The U.S. Department of Justice announced today that it has awarded more than $17.5 million in grants to support the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program. Funding will support efforts across the country to address violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. The Wisconsin Department of Justice was awarded $121,494 in PSN grant funds to administer in the Western District of Wisconsin.
The Bureau of Justice Assistance, part of the department’s Office of Justice Programs (OJP), will administer the 88 grant awards, which are being made to designated fiscal agents to support local PSN projects that work in partnership with U.S. Attorneys’ Offices.
“This latest Project Safe Neighborhoods grant is critical to addressing the violent crime threatening cities and towns all across our country,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa O. Monaco. “Ensuring the safety of all Americans is the highest priority for the Department of Justice, but when it comes to violent crime, there is not a one-size-fits-all solution. We have to work closely with local public safety agencies as well as community organizations to craft individual strategies unique to each community’s needs. Programs like Project Safe Neighborhoods and the funding it provides allow us to do just that.”
“Our office is committed to supporting law enforcement and community organizations in their efforts to reduce violent crime,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “We will work with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and community partners to develop tailored solutions to the unique violent crime problems they face.”
PSN grant funds will support focused and strategic enforcement efforts to address the significant drivers of violent crimes, including drug trafficking, interpersonal disputes, and robberies of banks and businesses. In addition, the PSN program in the Western District of Wisconsin will include partnering with community violence initiatives to reduce gun-related violence. With approval from BJA, the Fiscal Agent will begin the process of making subawards for PSN grant projects.
“Investing in our communities, supporting victims and building a justice system that both keeps people safe and earns their trust – these are mutually reinforcing goals that stand at the heart of Project Safe Neighborhoods,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Solomon for OJP. “The Office of Justice Programs is pleased to join with our U.S. Attorneys’ Offices, and with jurisdictions across the country, as we work together to meet the challenges of crime and violence and achieve our shared aspirations of public safety and community trust.”
In May 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland announced a new effort to reduce violent crime, including the gun violence that is often at its core. Integral to that effort was the reinvigoration of PSN, a two-decade old evidence-based and community-oriented program focused on reducing violent crime. The updated PSN approach, outlined in the department’s Comprehensive Strategy for Reducing Violent Crime issued by Deputy Attorney General Monaco, is guided by four key principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities and measuring the results of our efforts. The fundamental goal is to reduce violent crime, not simply to increase the number of arrests or prosecutions.
This fall, U.S. Attorney’s Offices across the country have enhanced their violent crime reduction efforts to ensure alignment with the department’s comprehensive violent crime reduction strategy. U.S. Attorneys’ Offices have engaged in outreach to law enforcement and other agencies and organizations serving communities to identify the most significant drivers of violence in their districts. Working together with a broad coalition of stakeholders, the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices are addressing the most pressing violent crime issues in their district to make our neighborhoods safer for all.
PSN programs are led by U.S. Attorneys’ Offices in collaboration with local public safety agencies, community stakeholders, and other agencies and organizations that work to reduce violent crime.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Conspiracy to Distribute CocaineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Michael C. Henderson, 52, Chicago, Illinois was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 84 months in prison, followed by 5 years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute cocaine. Henderson pleaded guilty to this charge on July 9, 2021. Judge Peterson also ordered Henderson to forfeit $22,763.59.
In 2020, federal and state law enforcement agencies started investigating several known cocaine traffickers in Dane County, Wisconsin. As part of this joint investigation, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) obtained state-authorized wiretaps on two phones belonging to a suspected trafficker in Madison. Over the course of several months, investigators intercepted numerous calls and text messages between the trafficker and Henderson. Most of these calls centered on Henderson supplying cocaine to the trafficker, negotiating lower costs from the source-of-supply, improving the quality of the cocaine, and recruiting additional customers in Dane County. The conspiracy took place from September through December 2020 and resulted in Henderson selling approximately 9 kilograms of cocaine to the trafficker.
On December 8, 2020, agents from DCI and officers from the Chicago Police Department arrested Henderson in Chicago after the investigators arranged for the purchase of 2 kilograms of cocaine from Henderson. During a post-arrest interview, Henderson admitted he planned to sell the drugs to the Madison-based trafficker.
Officers and agents also searched several houses that Henderson used in Chicago and found $52,600 in cash, a loaded semi-automatic pistol, 100 grams of marijuana, mobile phones, an electronic money counter, and bank deposit receipts. Investigators traced these receipts to a bank account that held $22,763.59 in drug proceeds. The $52,600 in cash was the subject of a forfeiture action in Illinois.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that he felt compelled to impose a significant term of imprisonment because of the seriousness of Henderson’s crime and the quantity of drugs involved. Judge Peterson specifically noted that, while Henderson did not have a large customer base, he had one customer who sold a substantial amount of cocaine in the Madison area.
The charge against Henderson was the result of an investigation conducted by DCI, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, the Chicago Police Department, the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cody Stough, 33, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in prison for distributing methamphetamine. Stough pleaded guilty to this charge on September 15, 2021.
On November 19, 2020, a confidential informant contacted the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and explained that Stough was willing to sell the informant a quarter pound of methamphetamine. Investigators gave the informant a recording device and prerecorded currency.
Investigators watched as the informant met with Stough in a parking lot in Dodgeville, Wisconsin. As the informant walked away, officers detained Stough, searched his vehicle, and found the prerecorded currency. The informant gave investigators a plastic sandwich bag containing a “glass crystal substance,” that weighed 77 grams. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine.
During a post-arrest interview, Stough admitted to selling methamphetamine to the informant.
The charge against Stough was the result of an investigation conducted by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 5 Years on Cocaine ChargeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marcus Catchings, 43, Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to five years in prison for possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute. Catchings pleaded guilty to this charge on September 14, 2021.
On April 9, 2021, a Wisconsin Dells police officer pulled over a black Lexus SUV for excessively dark window tint. Marcus Catchings was the passenger in the Lexus and his wife was driving. After a positive K-9 alert, officers searched the Lexus and found a grocery bag containing approximately 381 grams of cocaine behind the driver’s seat. In the same area, officers found a cereal box containing approximately 533 grams of cocaine. During his plea hearing in September, Catchings admitted that he intended to distribute the 914 grams of cocaine in the Wisconsin Dells area.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley noted that Catchings had previously been convicted of murder and had served over 20 years in prison as a result. Judge Conley also noted that Catchings was released from prison for the murder conviction in 2019 and was on parole at the time of his arrest.
The charge against Catchings was a result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Dells Police Department, the Columbia County Sheriff's Office, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner handled the prosecution.
Former Executive Director of Madison Daycare Center Pleads Guilty to Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Timothy M. O'Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin announced that on Friday, December 3, Nichole Genz, 41, Evansville, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Madison.
At the plea hearing, Genz pleaded guilty to an indictment that charged her with wire fraud against her employer Park Towne Development Corporation (PTD). According to the indictment, PTD was a Madison-based real estate development and management company that focused its real estate efforts on commercial buildings and land development. PTD also had various subsidiary entities, including Learning Gardens Child Development Center. Genz worked as the Executive Director at Learning Gardens from September 3, 2013 to October 2, 2018. She was responsible for all Learning Gardens functions including hiring and firing of staff, compliance with all state licensing regulations, and maintaining the petty cash account which encompassed issuing petty cash checks for expense reimbursements and coding the payments for entry into the general ledger.
According to the indictment, Genz and the PTD accounting manager participated in a scheme to defraud PTD through various methods of embezzlement, which included: (1) diverting Learning Gardens tuition checks into the Learning Gardens petty cash account and cashing them; (2) cashing voided and altered PTD checks by diverting them to the Learning Gardens petty cash account and cashing them; (3) creating false bank statements for the Learning Gardens petty cash bank statement that hid the check diversions; and (4) misuse of the US Bank VISA company credit card for personal purchases. In particular, Genz submitted monthly expense reports that falsely coded her personal expenses on the VISA credit card statement as Learning Gardens business expenses. Genz attached receipts to the expense reports with handwritten notations falsely indicating the purchases were Learning Gardens business expenses.
As part of her plea agreement to Count 5 of the indictment, Genz admitted that she charged personal expenses on her company credit card and falsely claimed they were for meal service for children at Learning Gardens. She further admitted that many of these claimed business expenses were for a separate personally-owned ice cream shop business.
The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison, 3 years of supervised release, and a $250,000 fine. Sentencing for Genz is set for February 10, 2021, at 2:30 p.m., before U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson at the U.S. Courthouse in Madison, Wisconsin.
The charges against Genz are the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Graber is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Antwan Taylor, 28, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. Chief District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Taylor pleaded guilty to this charge on September 13, 2021.
On the night of August 24, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers responded to a shots-fired complaint in La Crosse. Officers learned that multiple gunshots were fired from a gray minivan towards a blue sedan. Multiple residents reported bullet hole damage to their homes from the shooting including into a bedroom that was occupied at the time.
The next day, officers conducted a traffic stop on the gray minivan involved in the drive-by shooting. Taylor was one of the occupants in the minivan at the time of the stop. Officers searched the minivan and found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun in the center console. Officers also found a spent 9mm shell casing under the driver’s seat. The Taurus handgun was identified as the same firearm used in the drive-by shooting the night before. The investigation revealed that the shooting was done at the direction of Taylor and occurred because of a “beef” he had with others. The Taurus was sent to the Wisconsin State Crime Lab for DNA analysis and Taylor’s DNA was found on the firearm.
Taylor was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on multiple prior felony convictions. His criminal history includes convictions for drug trafficking and battery.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that this case was not just about simple illegal gun possession but involved a shooting which made it a more serious crime. Judge Peterson expressed concern about the risk posed to others in the community by shootings involving spraying bullets.
The charge against Taylor was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors, and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
Former Altoona School Superintendent Sentenced to 8 Years for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Daniel Peggs, 34, Altoona, Wisconsin was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 96 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release.
The case came to light when, in January 2019, a 20-year-old woman came forward and reported that she had been the victim of sexual exploitation by several men when she was 17 years old. The investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security revealed that the victim met 37-year-old Bryan Ragon at a renaissance festival in Minnesota in September 2015. Ragon returned to his home in North Carolina and the minor returned to Wisconsin. Shortly after they met, Ragon started posting the minor on Craigslist.com in Wisconsin for group sex encounters.
Daniel Peggs, using the alias Jake Thompson, responded to an ad. At the urging of Ragon, Peggs recruited other adult men for group sex, rented a hotel room and then met with the minor at a hotel in Rice Lake, Wisconsin, where he recorded the sexual activity. After this first encounter, Peggs began communicating directly with Ragon to arrange group sex encounters, and continued to meet with the minor, both individually and in group settings, and recorded some of the encounters.
On October 25, 2021, Bryan Ragon was sentenced in the Western District of North Carolina to 20 years in prison, to be followed by 30 years of supervised release.
In sentencing Peggs, Judge Peterson noted that while Peggs pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography, the heart of the case was the production of images of child pornography. Judge Peterson noted that mistake of age is not a defense for the production of child pornography. Judge Peterson also found that the defendant was systematically dishonest and his claim that he didn’t know the victim was a minor was not particularly credible. The court found that Peggs was willing to do whatever it took to have sex with the minor, regardless of the risk. In imposing the sentence, Judge Peterson found that a term of imprisonment was needed to protect public from the defendant’s sexual preoccupation.
The charge against Peggs was the result of an investigation conducted by Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, and Ashland County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger. The U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of Wisconsin thanks the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the Western District of North Carolina for their cooperation and coordination.
Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Benjamin T. Mann, 40, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in prison followed by 15 years of supervised release for distributing child pornography. Mann pleaded guilty to this charge on September 9, 2021.
In July 2020, law enforcement executed a search warrant at a home in Ohio. In reviewing devices found during the search, they discovered that Mann sent the Ohio resident child pornography and communicated with him about sexually assaulting children. In addition, the investigation revealed that Mann posted images of child pornography and discussed assaulting children in Kik chat rooms with that resident and others.
Judge Peterson said that the discussions about sexually assaulting children were an aggravating factor and that the sentence imposed would protect the community for approximately 20 years.
The charge against Mann was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal of Investigation, and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Eau Claire Felon Sentenced to 4 Years for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gavin Potter, 21, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Potter pleaded guilty to this charge on September 14, 2021.
In December 2020, Potter was taken into custody as the result of an investigation of a state crime. Following his arrest, officers executed a search warrant at Potter’s residence and found a SIG Sauer P320 9mm handgun, firearm magazines, ammunition, and marijuana in a safe. Detectives determined that after his arrest, Potter’s girlfriend took the gun from his bedroom and gave it to his stepfather, who put it in the safe.
The investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office revealed that a couple of weeks before he was taken into custody, Potter traded a Ruger LCP .380 pistol for the SIG P320 9mm. Potter’s phone showed internet searches for firearms, corroborated the firearm trade, and suggested that he was involved in drug trafficking.
At the time of his arrest, Potter was on supervision for state convictions for felony burglary and possessing a short-barreled shotgun. Potter also has served time in state prison for trafficking marijuana. At sentencing, Judge Peterson remarked that for his age, Potter has a serious criminal history. Because of Potter’s dangerous conduct, Judge Peterson said that it was the Court’s responsibility to keep the community safe.
The charge against Potter was the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan handled the prosecution.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Armed Methamphetamine Trafficker Sentenced to 10 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Larry Cole, 41, Painesdale, Michigan, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The defendant pleaded guilty to this charge on August 31, 2021.
In August 2020, law enforcement agents received information that Cole was a large methamphetamine trafficker in Wisconsin and Michigan. On September 9, 2020, the police stopped the defendant’s car in Rock County, Wisconsin. During a search of the car, police officers found three pounds of methamphetamine and a firearm. Cole admitted that the methamphetamine and firearm belonged to him.
The charge against Cole was the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Rock and Florence County Sheriff’s Offices; Illinois State Police Multi-County Enforcement Group; Wisconsin State Patrol; and the Michigan K.I.N.D. Drug Unit. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Reinhard and Robert Anderson prosecuted this case.
Rhinelander Man Sentenced to 100 Months for Possessing Stolen AmmunitionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dustin LaPuma, 27, Rhinelander, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 100 months in prison for knowingly possessing stolen ammunition. LaPuma pleaded guilty to this charge on October 1, 2021.
On August 10, 2020, law enforcement officers from the Oneida County Sheriff's Office and Rhinelander Police Department encountered LaPuma during a traffic stop in Rhinelander. As one of the officers spoke with LaPuma, he admitted to having a firearm inside of his backpack. The officer determined LaPuma was on probation, searched LaPuma’s backpack, and found a pistol loaded with two rounds of Creedmore 9 mm ammunition.
During a post-arrest interview, LaPuma told officers that he received the loaded firearm after a party. LaPuma initially claimed he did not know the firearm was stolen; however, he later said that he knew someone took the firearm from the owner’s vehicle. LaPuma also told officers that someone offered him one gram of methamphetamine as payment for taking custody of the stolen firearm and ammunition.
At sentencing, Judge Conley highlighted LaPuma’s criminal history as a factor that supported a significant term of imprisonment. Judge Conley also noted that the firearm, a semi-automatic pistol capable of accepting a large capacity magazine, could have been used to hurt someone.
The charge against LaPuma was the result of an investigation conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff's Office, Rhinelander Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Minnesota Man Sentenced to 5 Years on Methamphetamine ChargeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Zakaree Stelzer, 25, Lakeville, Minnesota, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Stelzer pleaded guilty to this charge on August 26, 2021.
On December 10, 2020, an officer from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department pulled over a car occupied by Stelzer and his co-defendant, Doua Moua, for a cracked windshield and reckless driving. The officer confirmed that Stelzer and Moua both had active state arrest warrants. Officers searched the car and found a toolbox in the trunk that contained approximately 465 grams, or just over 1 pound of methamphetamine. During post-arrest interviews, Stelzer and Moua admitted buying the methamphetamine together in the Twin Cities. Stelzer and Moua both stated that they intended to sell the methamphetamine in the Wisconsin Rapids area.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley noted that Stelzer’s possession of a “staggering amount” of methamphetamine was troubling. Judge Conley stated that telephone records showed that Stelzer had a history of trafficking drugs in the Wisconsin Rapids area. However, Judge Conley also noted that Stelzer’s criminal history was limited.
Moua was previously sentenced by Judge Conley to 6 years in federal prison for his role in the offense on October 19, 2021.
The charge against Stelzer was a result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department, Mondovi Police Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner handled the prosecution.
Edgerton Doctor Sentenced to 54 Months for $13 Million Scheme to Defraud MedicareRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dr. Ravi Murali, 39, formerly of Edgerton, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 54 months in federal prison for Dr. Murali’s role in a scheme to defraud Medicare. Dr. Murali pleaded guilty to this charge on March 31, 2021.
Dr. Murali wrote thousands of fraudulent orders for Durable Medical Equipment (DME). Other participants in the scheme used Dr. Murali’s fraudulent orders to bill Medicare $26,000,000 of which Medicare paid $13,000,000.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Peterson emphasized that a severe sentence was necessary to deter other providers who were considering whether to defraud Medicare and other federal programs. Further, Chief Judge Peterson noted that Dr. Murali’s history of dishonesty—he was previously disciplined by the Wisconsin Medical Examining Board for creating a fraudulent diploma to falsely claim that he completed residency—cut in favor of a longer sentence.
The charge against Dr. Murali was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary J. Corey handled the prosecution.