Western District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Madison Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Armed Robbery of Convenience StoreRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mekhi Moss, 20, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to seven years in prison for robbing a convenience store and brandishing a firearm during the robbery. Moss pleaded guilty to these charges on July 7, 2021.
On January 21, 2020, Moss and another man robbed a Stop-N-Go in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. Both were displaying handguns, and Moss had stolen his gun only days earlier. At the time of the robbery, Moss had eleven pending state cases and warrants for his arrest.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that Moss has been a destructive force and the primary goal of sentencing was to protect the public. The judge noted that the armed robbery was very serious, and that Moss had a history of committing serious crimes. The prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release.
The charges against Moss were the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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.
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.
Wisconsin Rapids Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography
Timothy P. McDowell, 39, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that McDowell used a cellular phone to produce a visual depiction of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct on April 24, June 20, and September 23, 2021.
If convicted, McDowell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Superior Resident Charged with Attempted Bank Robbery & Gun Crimes
Cody Walker-Nelson, 30, Superior, Wisconsin, is charged with attempting to rob a bank, brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence, and being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that he attempted to rob the Associated Bank in Superior on October 1, 2021 and that he brandished a firearm during the attempt. The indictment further alleges that on that day, he possessed 3 handguns, 3 rifles, and a shotgun.
If convicted, Walker-Nelson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the attempted bank robbery charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 7 years on the charge of brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed on the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence be served consecutive to any other penalty imposed. The felon in possession of firearms charge has a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
The charges against Walker-Nelson are the result of an investigation by the Superior Police Department, Duluth Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Jerid Hinz, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of distributing methamphetamine, with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and with being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on July 13, July 26, and August 9, 2021, and that on August 11, 2021, he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution. The indictment also alleges that on August 11, he possessed a shotgun and a rifle.
If convicted, Hinz faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms has a maximum penalty of 10 years.
The charges against Hinz are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Carlos Carter, 32, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute and with possessing loaded firearms in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed cocaine, two 9mm pistols, and a .44 caliber revolver on March 8, 2021.
If convicted, Carter faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the cocaine charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years on the gun charge. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed on the charge of possessing firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other penalty imposed.
The charges against Carter are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Madison Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Two Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Christopher Fernette, 44, Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, and Dillan Boydston, 39, Waukon, Iowa, are charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that they possessed the methamphetamine on April 3, 2021.
If convicted, Fernette and Boydston face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge against them is the result of an investigation by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Prairie du Chien Police Department, Richland-Iowa-Grant Task Force, Dakota County (Minnesota) Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the investigation.
Grant County Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Carl Rabe, 44, Boscobel, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on October 20, 2021.
If convicted, Rabe faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Prairie du Chien Police Department, Richland-Iowa-Grant Task Force, Dakota County (Minnesota) Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Brandon Norton, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed the methamphetamine on October 14, 2021.
If convicted, Norton 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Charged with 2 Counts of Distributing Methamphetamine
Derrick Shelton, 30, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed the methamphetamine on October 4 and 19, 2021.
If convicted, Shelton 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Sun Prairie Man Charged With 3 Counts of Distributing Methamphetamine
Daniel Gibbs, 36, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed the methamphetamine on August 26, September 15, and September 28, 2021.
If convicted, Gibbs 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 Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Charlie Goodwin, 34, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed the methamphetamine on August 27, 2021.
If convicted, Goodwin faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.
Ismael Isidro Morales-Alonso, 22, a citizen of Mexico found in Darlington, Wisconsin, is charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported and removed. The indictment alleges that he was found in the United States on October 15, 2021.
If convicted, Morales-Alonso faces a maximum penalty of 2 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Mauston Man Sentenced to 70 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 Jerry Scheerer, 38, Mauston, Wisconsin, today pleaded guilty to distributing methamphetamine and was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 70 months in federal prison. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
On November 3, 2020, law enforcement agents arranged for a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine from Scheerer in Mauston. After the confidential informant purchased just over 25 grams of methamphetamine from Scheerer, Scheerer asked the confidential informant if they would like to buy a “dirty” gun. The confidential informant agreed and purchased a Ruger revolver from Scheerer later on that same day. The legal owner of the Ruger reported it stolen to Mauston police on October 27, 2020.
At the time of this offense Scheerer was under Wisconsin state probation in Juneau County Case No. 19CF2 as a result of a conviction for possessing methamphetamine with intent to deliver. The sentence imposed by Chief Judge Peterson will run concurrently to the 6-year sentence Scheerer is serving because of the revocation of his probation in that case.
The charges against Scheerer were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Mauston Police Department, Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 15 Years for Transporting Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jay A. Liestman, 49, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 15 years in federal prison for transporting child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Liestman pleaded guilty to this charge on April 2, 2021.
In October 2019, Liestman sent an undercover officer a link to the file storage platform Mega. This link led to a file comprised of five folders containing more than 500 videos, most of which depicted child pornography.
Liestman’s sentence was increased because he had a prior conviction for possessing child pornography, and also had been convicted of child enticement. At the time of the offense in this case, he was on supervision for those offenses.
The charge against Liestman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and Eau Claire Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Diane Schlipper prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Charged with Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A La Crosse, Wisconsin man is charged with drug crimes involving methamphetamine in an indictment returned on October 13, 2021 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison. The charges are announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Corey J. Stern, 35, with 3 counts of distributing methamphetamine and 1 count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine twice in August 2020, once in January 2021, and that he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on June 3, 2021.
The indictment was unsealed following Stern’s transfer to federal custody today. Stern made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today. He remains in federal custody pending a detention hearing, which has not been scheduled.
If convicted, Stern faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and maximum of 40 years on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse, Town of Campbell, and Mauston Police Departments; the Wisconsin State Patrol; the Juneau County Sheriff’s Office; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson 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.
Two Sentenced for Embezzling over $777,000 from Native American Addiction & Counseling CenterRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Fredericka DeCoteau, 63, Cloquet, Minnesota, and Edith Schmuck, 77, Rice Lake, Wisconsin, were sentenced today in federal court in Madison, Wisconsin for theft of federal program funds.
U.S. District Judge William M. Conley sentenced DeCoteau to 2 years in prison, and Schmuck to 1 year and 1 day in prison. Judge Conley also ordered the defendants to jointly pay restitution of $777,283. Both defendants were ordered to report to the Bureau of Prisons on December 29, 2021 to begin their sentences.
DeCoteau and Schmuck pleaded guilty to one count of theft of federal funds on July 15 and June 24, 2021, respectively. They worked at Ain Dah Ing (ADI) which has operated as a non-profit halfway house in Spooner, Wisconsin since 1971. DeCoteau worked as the Executive Director at ADI from 2002 to 2017. Schmuck worked as the bookkeeper from 1990 to 2017. They were fired after the thefts were discovered.
ADI offered mental health and alcohol and substance abuse services to Native Americans from Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin tribes. ADI's services included a 90-day program at its 15-bed Community-Based Residential Facility in Spooner, Wisconsin. ADI's funding came from a federal commercial contract with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Indian Health Services Division.
Both DeCoteau and Schmuck pleaded guilty to embezzling a total of $777,283 from ADI by paying themselves unauthorized bonuses via payroll checks that were signed using a rubber signature stamp of the ADI Treasurer. The embezzlement lasted from 2007 to 2017.
At today's sentencing, Judge Conley noted that DeCoteau and Schmuck stole over 67% of the total funds intended for programming at ADI, and that they gambled away most of this money at local Indian casinos. Judge Conley explained that the defendants violated the trust of the ADI Board of Directors and took advantage of vulnerable people with addictions. In imposing sentence, Judge Conley made clear to both defendants that the gravity of the offense, coupled with the long-term nature of the embezzlement, mandated that they serve prison time despite their claims of being addicted to gambling.
The charges against DeCoteau and Schmuck were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General, and the Spooner Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber handled 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.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Wire & Bank Fraud
Michael Shillin, 31, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with 9 counts of wire fraud and 1 count of bank fraud. The indictment alleges that Shillin, the owner of a financial advisory company named Shillin Wealth Management (SWM), engaged in a scheme to defraud clients by making misrepresentations to them.
The indictment alleges that Shillin told his clients that he purchased non-public stock of well-known companies on their behalf and that they had made hundreds of thousands of dollars on these investments, when in fact, Shillin had not purchased the stocks. It further alleges that Shillin convinced numerous clients to purchase insurance policies by misrepresenting the cost of the policies as well as the benefits, and that Shillin received commission payments on some of these policies. In addition, the indictment alleges that Shillin provided clients with fraudulent tax documents to make them appear eligible for tax breaks to which they were not entitled.
The indictment also charges Shillin with defrauding a bank by obtaining two loans totaling $462,000 on behalf of SWM by using fraudulent collateral. The indictment alleges that he provided an account statement showing that SWM owned an account with a balance of over $1.2 million, when in fact a client owned and controlled the account.
If convicted, Shillin faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each wire fraud charge, and a maximum penalty of 30 years on the bank fraud charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eau Claire and Altoona Police Departments, and Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the prosecution.
Green Bay Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Michael Soun, 35, Green Bay, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on September 1, 2021.
If convicted, Soun faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Chippewa Falls Man Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin Barnard, 36, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 72 months in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
On November 23, 2020, law enforcement in Dunn County received a tip from a known informant that Barnard was driving a mini-van and had a substantial amount of methamphetamine with him in a fanny pack. A deputy located the mini-van and observed Barnard commit a traffic violation. The deputy stopped Barnard, who appeared to be under the influence of methamphetamine at the time. Deputies also located 74.9 grams of methamphetamine in a fanny pack worn by Barnard, as well as packaging materials and scales, consistent with drug distribution. Barnard was later charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant in Dunn County Case No. 21CM180, which is still pending.
At the time of this offense Barnard was under Wisconsin state extended supervision in Eau Claire County Case Nos. 14CF111 and 16CF1422, in which he was convicted of 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety and delivery of methamphetamine, respectively. The sentence imposed today will run concurrently with a 2-year prison sentence Barnard is serving as a result of revocation of his extended supervision in those cases.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson remarked that it was Barnard’s responsibility to the community, and to himself, to manage his addiction. Judge Peterson noted Barnard appeared to be on a downward trajectory given his repeated criminality, and therefore a sentence of 6 years was warranted. Further, Barnard’s apparent resistance to supervision in the past also factored into the sentence.
The charges against Barnard were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.
Former Madison High School Teacher Sentenced to 12 Years for Secretly Filming StudentsRead 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 David M. Kruchten, 39, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to produce obscene depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and transporting minors in interstate commerce with the intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Kruchten pleaded guilty to these charges on August 16, 2021.
On December 6, 2019, a group of students went to Minneapolis on a school trip arranged by Kruchten. The trip was associated with a school organization and the defendant was one of their advisors and accompanied them on the trip. That evening, one of the students pressed down on an air freshener on the bathroom counter of her hotel room. When she pressed it, the device opened up and was revealed to be a surveillance camera.
After the discovery of the first device, the students started going through their rooms and found additional air fresheners, a smoke detector, two alarm clocks, and several thermostats that were all surveillance devices. Trusting Kruchten, the students turned over all the devices to him that night. He was later seen on hotel video appearing to dispose of the devices in trash cans around the hotel. Kruchten lied to authorities and said he gave the devices to a security guard at the hotel.
During the course of the investigation, multiple students provided pictures and videos that they had taken in their hotel rooms during school trips to the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells and the Grand Geneva Resort in Lake Geneva. In the photos provided, multiple air freshener type-devices are visible on the bathroom countertops. In the same photos, digital clocks, thermostats, and tissue boxes that were actually recording devices are also visible. The devices could be seen on the counter, on the toilet, and on the wall.
Kruchten used his personal credit card to reserve a suite at the Kalahari Resort in the Wisconsin Dells for trips in 2018 and 2019. He also determined which of the students stayed in this upgraded room. The photos and videos provided to law enforcement by the minors who stayed in the upgraded rooms showed numerous recording devices in each bathroom of the suite. He also rented a room at another Wisconsin resort for a babysitter. Photos she took of the bathroom also showed multiple recording devices in the bathroom.
At sentencing, numerous victims and their parents told the Court how Kruchten’s crimes had affected them and their families. Victims reported betrayal, sadness, and anger. Some reported fear showering in hotels and checking air fresheners in public bathrooms to ensure they were not recording devices. Parents also reported betrayal and guilt for allowing their children to go on trips with the defendant.
Judge Peterson thanked the victims and families for their courage and for letting him know through their statements how much the crime impacted the victims, their families, and the community. Judge Peterson also told the victims that the defendant took advantage of their good qualities and that they were not at fault.
In sentencing the defendant, Judge Peterson found Kruchten engaged in “sustained and masterful manipulation” and exploited the fact that he was a beloved teacher. Judge Peterson also found that the defendant was either lying to the Court or self-delusional in denying that his crime was sexually motivated.
The charges against Kruchten were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Cottage Grove Police Department, with assistance from the Wisconsin Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Laura Przybylinski Finn prosecuted this case.
Fitchburg Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
Madison, Wis. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Justin Miner, 37, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Miner pleaded guilty to this charge on August 4, 2021.
Law enforcement agents learned that Miner was distributing heroin and methamphetamine in the Madison area and arranged to purchase methamphetamine from him on October 20, 2020. When agents arrested Miner several days later, they located a variety of drugs on his person, including methamphetamine, heroin, crack cocaine, and ecstasy pills. Upon searching his residence, agents located more methamphetamine, marijuana, scales and packaging material, thousands of dollars, a firearm, and multiple rounds of ammunition.
During a post-arrest interview, Miner admitted to selling methamphetamine and heroin and explained that he possessed the gun because he owed a drug debt to a Chicago drug source that had threatened his family. Miner also admitted to being a gang member from Chicago.
During sentencing, Judge Conley described Miner’s lengthy criminal history, which included property crimes, crimes against people, drug crimes, and a prior conviction for possessing a firearm as a felon. Miner was also on active supervision for drug distribution at the time of his arrest.
The charges against Miner were a result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper handled the prosecution.
Wisconsin Rapids Man Sentenced to 6 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 Doua Moua, 37, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to six years in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Moua pleaded guilty to this charge on August 3, 2021.
On December 10, 2020, an officer from the Buffalo County Sheriff’s Department pulled over a car driven by Moua for a cracked windshield and reckless driving. The officer confirmed that Moua and his passenger, Zakaree Stelzer, both had active state arrest warrants. Officers searched Moua’s car and found a toolbox in the trunk that contained approximately 465 grams, or just over 1 pound of methamphetamine. During post-arrest interviews, Moua and Stelzer admitted buying the methamphetamine together in the Twin Cities. Moua and Stelzer both stated that they intended to sell the methamphetamine in the Wisconsin Rapids area.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley noted that Moua was on active state supervision at the time of his arrest for a prior conviction for methamphetamine trafficking. Judge Conley also noted that Moua had been released from prison less than one year before he was arrested in Buffalo County and his drug trafficking was “escalating.” Judge Conley also noted that Moua’s previous three-year prison sentence for methamphetamine trafficking failed to deter him from selling methamphetamine.
Stelzer pleaded guilty on August 26, 2021 to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute and will be sentenced by Judge Conley on November 22, 2021.
The charge against Moua 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.
Second Defendant Sentenced to 5 Years for Attempted Arson During 2020 Civil Unrest in MadisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anessa Renee Fierro, 28, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in prison for attempted arson. Fierro and her codefendant Willie Johnson were indicted by a federal grand jury for this offense in October 2020.
During the early morning hours of August 25, 2020, Fierro and Johnson attempted to set fire to two commercial buildings in downtown Madison. Business A was an office building, and Business B was a mixed-use rental property with apartments on the upper levels and retail space on the street level. Several apartments were occupied by sleeping residents at the time.
At Business A, Johnson helped a group of people break out the building’s front windows, and Fierro poured gasoline along the walls. Johnson then lit material that another individual tossed onto the gasoline, causing the vapors to ignite.
At Business B, Johnson and Fierro, along with several other people, broke out the retail store’s windows. With the interior of building exposed, Fierro poured gasoline along the front walls. Both Johnson and Fierro attempted to ignite the gasoline vapors with cigarette lighters, but they fled when officers from the Madison Police Department arrived.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that pouring and igniting gasoline creates an extraordinary risk to the community. Judge Peterson also told Fierro that her conduct was “appalling and dangerous” and warranted significant punishment. Johnson was sentenced by Judge Peterson to 5 years in federal prison on September 28, 2021.
The charge against Fierro was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma 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.
Lafayette County Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes
Josiah Creasey, 34, Darlington, Wisconsin, is charged with 3 counts of attempting to produce child pornography, 1 count of producing child pornography, and 1 count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that Creasey attempted to use a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct on three occasions between September 2017 and December 2019, and that Creasey used a minor to produce such a visual depiction in January 2019.
The indictment also charges Creasey with possessing child pornography on March 24, 2021, and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Creasey faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each of the attempted production charges and on the production charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Lafayette and Grant County Sheriffs’ Offices, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Platteville Police Department, and National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography
Jeremy Hogenkamp, 45, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on October 6, 2021, he possessed a laptop computer that contained visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Hogenkamp faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse, Onalaska, Holmen, and Town of Campbell Police Departments and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Gun Crime
James McGowan, Jr., is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun on September 20, 2021.
If convicted, McGowan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Gun Crime
Montanez Miller, 25, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun and a loaded .40 caliber handgun on May 16, 2021.
If convicted, Miller 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 Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Janesville Woman Sentenced to 3 Years for Role in Sex TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tonyiel Partee, 29, Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 36 months in federal prison for conspiracy to commit sex trafficking. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Partee pleaded guilty to this charge on July 8, 2021.
In September 2017, the mother of a minor female contacted the Janesville Police Department to report that she found Facebook messages on her daughter’s account that indicated her daughter was buying drugs from an adult man. The investigation revealed that not only was the adult man selling drugs to the minor, but he was also posting her on websites for commercial sex.
As the investigation continued, Partee was identified as a woman who also was engaged in commercial sex for the man. Over time, investigators were able to establish that Partee helped the trafficker recruit women, and that she knew the women she recruited were drug addicts and would be subject to violence and coercion by the trafficker.
While Judge Conley recognized that Partee had been “groomed” by the trafficker, and was a victim herself, he stated that the Court “could not ignore the role [Partee] played in victimizing others,” in imposing her sentence.
The charge against Partee was the result of an investigation conducted by the Janesville Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger prosecuted this case.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Trafficking MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin J. Bell, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This term of prison will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Bell pleaded guilty to this charge on July 14, 2021.
On October 16, 2020, West Central Drug Task Force officers purchased over 53 grams of methamphetamine from Bell through a confidential informant in Eau Claire.
On December 1, 2020, officers again purchased methamphetamine, this time roughly 13 grams, from Bell through a confidential informant in Eau Claire.
At the time of these incidents, Bell was on state supervision for four separate prior cases related to trafficking methamphetamine. His supervision in those cases was revoked and he is currently serving a state prison sentence with an expected release date of March 4, 2027. Judge Conley ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the state prison sentence.
In imposing the sentencing, Judge Conley highlighted Bell’s lengthy criminal history and continued involvement in drug trafficking, saying it was unacceptable and merited a significant sentence. Judge Conley noted that Bell’s history of selling drugs contributed to other addicts’ downfalls.
The charge against Bell was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Buffalo, Chippewa, Clark, and Eau Claire County Sheriffs’ Departments, Eau Claire Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. The Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Trafficking Crack CocaineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Aubrey L. Marshall, 46, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. This term of prison will be followed by 6 years of supervised release. Marshall pleaded guilty to this charge on July 7, 2021.
On January 28, 2021, La Crosse Police Department officers purchased 11.1 grams of crack cocaine from Marshall through a confidential informant. A week later, on January 25, 2021, officers purchased 32.9 grams of crack cocaine from Marshall, again through a confidential informant. Later that day, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Marshall’s apartment in La Crosse, and found 69 grams of crack cocaine, 69 grams of powder cocaine, and $5,930 in cash which included buy money from the drug deal earlier that day.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that this is Marshall’s second federal conviction for cocaine trafficking and that his criminal history is riddled with violence. Marshall has a prior federal felony conviction for distributing cocaine in the Western District of Wisconsin in 2005. He was sentenced to 140 months in prison in that case.
The charge against Marshall was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with the assistance of the La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Madison Man Charged with Gun & Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin man is charged with gun and drug crimes in an indictment returned on July 8, 2020 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison. The charges are announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Robert L. Coney, 48, with being a felon in possession of ammunition and with possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the ammunition on May 3, 2020, and that he possessed crack cocaine on May 12, 2020.
The indictment was unsealed following Coney’s arrest in Madison on Tuesday, September 28 by the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force with assistance from the Madison Police Department and the Dane County Sheriff’s Department.
Coney made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison yesterday. He remains in custody pending an arraignment and detention hearing, which has not been scheduled. A trial date has been set for February 28, 2022, before U.S. District Judge William M. Conley.
If convicted, Coney faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition and 20 years on the drug charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger 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.
Columbus Woman Sentenced to 72 Months for Role in Murder-For-Hire PlotRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kelly Harper, 38, Columbus, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for using the Internet with the intent that the murder of a known individual be committed in exchange for bitcoin. Harper pleaded guilty to this charge on June 24, 2021.
On January 12, 2021, a group of journalists informed a known victim (KV) they were investigating murder-for-hire sites on the dark web, and that they uncovered information showing someone wanted KV killed. In addition, the journalist provided KV with copies of chat messages between an unknown subject (UNSUB) and the murder-for-hire website administrator. In these chats, UNSUB gave the administrator detailed information about KV, including KV’s photograph, place of employment, and vehicle description. UNSUB also directed the administrator to kill KV. KV notified law enforcement and provided copies of the chat messages to the FBI.
During its review of these messages, the FBI determined UNSUB also paid bitcoin to a second murder-for-hire website with the intention of having KV killed. An analyst from the FBI’s Money Laundering, Forfeiture, and Bank Fraud Unit tracked this bitcoin transfer and identified UNSUB as Kelly Harper.
Agents from the FBI’s Milwaukee Field Office executed a search warrant at Harper’s residence and found screenshots from a murder-for-hire dark website, as well as one of the pictures Harper sent to the murder-for-hire website administrator. Agents also interviewed Harper, who admitted to paying bitcoin to the murder-for-hire website administrator in order to have KV killed.
The charge against Harper was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and Sun Prairie Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Janesville Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brian Garbe, 47, of Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to five years in federal prison for receiving child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Garbe pleaded guilty to this charge on June 24, 2021.
Garbe bought child pornography from a website dedicated to the exploitation of children three times in 2016. He also visited the website numerous times between September 2015 and March 2018. In 2018, agents searched electronic devices found at Garbe’s home and found more than 1,000 images and videos depicting child pornography.
Judge Conley noted Garbe made a horrendous decision to access child pornography but found his conduct mitigated by his military service and mental health issues.
The charge against Garbe was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; and Janesville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.
Grand Jury Returns Indictments Charging 2 Afghan Evacuees with Crimes While at Fort McCoy & Wisconsin Residents with Gun & Drug CrimesRead 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.
Two Afghan Evacuees Charged with Crimes
In unrelated cases, two individuals have been charged with crimes while at Fort McCoy, Wisconsin. Bahrullah Noori, 20, is charged with attempting to engage in a sexual act with a minor using force against that person, and with three counts of engaging in a sexual act with a minor, with one count alleging the use of force. The indictment alleges that that the victims had not attained the age of 16 years and were at least four years younger than the defendant.
Mohammad Haroon Imaad, 32, is charged with assaulting his spouse by strangling and suffocating her. The indictment alleges that the assault occurred on September 7, 2021.
Noori and Imaad were charged previously in complaints filed in U.S. District Court. They made initial appearances in Madison on September 16 and are being detained at the Dane County Jail. Noori and Imaad are scheduled for arraignment tomorrow, September 23, at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., respectively, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Stephen L. Crocker.
If convicted, Noori faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 30 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the charges alleging use of force, and a maximum penalty of 15 years on the other two charges. Imaad faces a maximum penalty of 10 years. The charges against them are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Fort McCoy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the Noori prosecution and Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the Imaad prosecution.
Five Charged with Gun Crimes
In unrelated cases, four individuals have been charged with gun crimes and a fifth individual with drug and gun crimes. These cases are brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN 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.
James Gillaum, 33, Madison, Wisconsin is charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun. The indictment alleges that he possessed the loaded handgun on August 22, 2021. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge is the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Anthony Brooks, 29, Middleton, Wisconsin is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a 9mm handgun on July 19, 2021. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge is the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
David Barber, 36, Beloit, Wisconsin is charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded handgun and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded .45 caliber handgun and ammunition on December 20, 2020. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge is the result of an investigation by the Beloit Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Joshua K. Breidel, 33, La Crosse, Wisconsin is charged with 3 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a handgun on March 27, 2021, that he possessed a handgun and ammunition on August 4, 2021, and that he possessed a handgun and ammunition on August 5, 2021. If convicted, he faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Benjamin T. Devine, 34, Holmen, Wisconsin is charged with two counts of distributing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine, one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, and with being a felon in possession of a handgun and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on August 5 and 16, 2021, and that he possessed methamphetamine for distribution and a .22 caliber handgun and ammunition on August 16. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each drug charge, and a maximum of 10 years on the gun charge. The charges are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse, Onalaska, and Prairie du Chief Police Departments, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Man Charged with Drug Crime Involving Heroin
Matthew Jackson, 28, Ashland, Wisconsin is charged with possessing 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the heroin on May 24, 2021.
If convicted, Jackson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Hayward Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Attempting to Distribute Fentanyl
Jason Jordan, 36, Madison, Wisconsin is charged with two counts of attempting to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment alleges that he attempted to distribute fentanyl on January 20 and February 23, 2021.
If convicted, Jordan faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Two Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Saige T. Marten, 28, Boyd, Wisconsin, and Samantha K. Fristoe, 30, Owen, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing 50 grams of more of methamphetamine on June 7, 2021. The indictment also charges Marten with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution on June 14, 2021.
If convicted, Marten and Fristoe each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the distribution charge, and Marten also faces that penalty of the charge of possession with intent to distribute.
The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force; Altoona and Eau Claire Police Departments; Chippewa, Clark, and Rusk County Sheriffs’ Offices; and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Drug and Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dewayne Veasy, 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 84 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon and for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute it. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Veasy pled guilty to these charges on June 28, 2021.
The charges in this case stem from Veasy’s arrest near Rhinelander, Wisconsin on July 2, 2020. Officers with the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office stopped the van in which Veasy was a passenger after a 911 caller reported Veasy had robbed her during an earlier methamphetamine sale. At the time of the stop, Veasy was in possession of methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine, heroin laced with fentanyl, as well as a 9mm handgun. Veasy later admitted to traveling around northern Wisconsin to sell controlled substances and admitted to selling methamphetamine to the 911 caller.
At the time of these offenses, Veasy was federally prohibited from possessing a firearm because of prior state felony convictions for armed robbery and cocaine distribution.
At sentencing, Chief Judge Peterson explained a substantial sentence was warranted because Veasy had escalated his criminal conduct both in substance and scope when compared to his prior state convictions for drug dealing. Chief Judge Peterson reasoned that Veasy’s possession of a firearm while completing drug deals created a real threat of danger to the community, even if the 911 caller’s report of robbery was unreliable.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.
Madison Man Sentenced to 10 Years After Pleading Guilty to Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that today Brian D. Lamphier, 52, Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to distributing child pornography and was sentenced by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison. This prison term will be followed by 15 years of supervised release.
In June 2019, the Madison Police Department received a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) that an adult male, later identified as Lamphier, was using Facebook to communicate with a potential minor and was sending potential images of child pornography. Investigation revealed that the person Lamphier was talking to was 19-years-old and, thus, was not a minor, and that the images that he was sending could not be determined to be child pornography. Madison Police Officers spoke with Lamphier and warned him that his behavior was very close to the line of being illegal.
In June 2020, the Madison Police Department received another tip from NCMEC that a 50-year-old man, later identified as Lamphier, was attempting to entice a 15-year-old boy to engage in sexual conduct via Facebook messenger. Investigation revealed that Lamphier met the minor on the Internet and from March through June of 2020, paid the minor to engage in sexual activity. During some of the sexual encounters, Lamphier took nude pictures of the minor. On April 8, 2020, Lamphier sent one of the nude images of the boy to the previously identified 19-year-old Facebook user.
At sentencing, after the victim’s family spoke, Judge Peterson noted the devastating consequences on the victim and his family. Judge Peterson stated that Lamphier’s “insistent pattern of conduct” with the minor, combined with the fact that he had been given a prior warning by the police, were aggravating for sentencing. In choosing a 10-year sentence, Judge Peterson stated that Lamphier not only distributed child pornography but also engaged in the sustained abuse of a child and the production of child pornography. Judge Peterson also stated that Lamphier “treated his victim like an object for [his] own sexual satisfaction.”
The charge against Lamphier was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie S. Pfluger prosecuted this case.
Beloit Man Sentenced to 4 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 Fabian Jones, 29, Beloit, Wisconsin was sentenced on Friday, September 10 by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to four years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Jones pleaded guilty to this charge on June 16, 2021.
On March 15, 2020, Beloit police were investigating a reported disturbance and had contact with Jones, who consented to a search of his residence. In Jones’s bedroom, officers found a holster, laser sight for a gun, and a magazine chest carrier. Officers found three different types of ammunition in the kitchen, and a small safe in the basement. Jones was arrested and made phone calls from the jail talking about a gun in the safe and asking others to take responsibility for it. Officers later obtained a search warrant for the safe and found a loaded .40 caliber handgun and a spare magazine inside.
Jones has a previous felony conviction for a weapons offense in Illinois state court. In addition, he was convicted in federal court in the Western District of Wisconsin in 2015 of distributing cocaine and was sentenced to four years in prison.
At sentencing Judge Peterson remarked that Jones was still on federal supervision on the drug offense and had violated conditions of that release. Judge Peterson said that sentence was designed to punish Jones and deter him from having a gun in the future.
The charge against Jones was the result of an investigation conducted by the Beloit Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Wausau Health Insurance Broker Sentenced for Scheme to Import & Distribute Misbranded Drugs from IndiaRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kenneth Zipperer, 54, Wausau, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today to one count of mail fraud and one count of money laundering. After accepting Zipperer’s two guilty pleas, U.S. District Judge William M. Conley sentenced Zipperer to 6 months in federal prison, imposed a $150,000 fine, and ordered him to pay $483 in restitution.
On November 18, 2020, a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin returned a 26-count indictment against Zipperer charging him with five counts of mail fraud, ten counts of wire fraud, two counts of distributing misbranded prescription drugs without a written prescription or license to administer such drugs, five counts of concealment money laundering, and four counts of promotional money laundering.
According to the indictment, Zipperer imported foreign-sourced prescription drugs from an internet pharmacy company in India via the U.S. Mail and Express Mail Service, and none of the drugs were approved by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA) for human consumption in the United States. The indictment alleged that Zipperer distributed many of the foreign-sourced prescription medications to his insurance clients in person, primarily at the business office for Zipperer Financial LLC in Wausau. Zipperer pleaded guilty to Counts 3 and 21 of the indictment.
“Distributing unapproved prescription drugs is illegal and puts consumers’ health at risk. In order to protect public health and safety, our office works closely with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who seek to profit from selling unapproved prescription drugs,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea.
“Patients who take foreign unapproved prescription drugs are at serious risk of harm, as the drugs have no guarantees of safety or efficacy and hold the potential to harm those who use them,” said Special Agent in Charge Lynda M. Burdelik, FDA Office of Criminal Investigations Chicago Field Office. “We will continue to investigate and bring to justice those who put public health at risk.”
The charges against Zipperer were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Food & Drug Administration - Office of Criminal Investigations, IRS Criminal Investigation, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber handled the prosecution.
Federal & State Officials Advise Wisconsinites That Making or Buying Fake COVID-19 Vaccine Cards is IllegalRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, joins Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Karen Timberlake, Secretary-designee and Anthony Baize, Inspector General of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) to advise the public that any act of creating, distributing, selling, or buying of fake COVID-19 vaccination record cards and any act of forging COVID-19 vaccination information is illegal and punishable under federal law.
The unauthorized use of an official government agency’s seal, such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), is a crime and may be punishable under federal law under Title 18 United States Code, Section 1017, and other applicable laws.
“COVID-19 vaccines provide important protection for all of us when we are at school, attending public events, using mass transit, at the workplace, or attending a place of worship. Those who might claim to be vaccinated when they are not are putting themselves and their loved ones at risk of contracting COVID-19,” said Secretary-designee Karen Timberlake. “Get vaccinated, encourage your friends and family to do the same, and add an extra layer of protection by wearing a mask in public places including for teachers, staff and students in our schools.”
DHS also reminds Wisconsinites to not post vaccine cards on social media as the information could be stolen to commit fraud.
“If you have not been vaccinated, do not make your own cards or buy fake cards,” said Inspector General Anthony Baize. “If you were vaccinated and your card was not filled out correctly, do not fill in the card yourself. Instead, call your vaccine provider.”
“Public and private institutions, including employers, universities, schools, and businesses, need to be able to rely on the legitimacy of COVID-19 vaccine cards. Our office will use all available tools to prosecute individuals who knowingly falsify vaccine cards,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Richard Frohling.
“Legitimate COVID-19 vaccine cards—like the vaccines themselves—are crucial tools to prevent illness and death. People who are foolish or selfish (or both) enough to supply bogus vaccination cards, allowing others to circumvent COVID-19 curtailment efforts, will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
If you know or suspect that any healthcare provider, pharmacy, private business, or Wisconsin resident is creating, distributing, selling, buying or forging COVID-19 vaccination cards in-person or online, please report such conduct to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Office of Inspector General (877-865-3432 or www.reportfraud.wisconsin.gov); U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Office of Inspector General (1-800-HHS-TIPS ) or the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www.ic3.gov).
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Madison Man Sentenced to 2 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 Deshawn Robb, 29, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to two years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Robb pleaded guilty to this charge on June 21, 2021.
On June 20, 2020, a Wisconsin State Patrol Trooper stopped Robb for speeding in Marathon County, Wisconsin. While speaking with Robb, the trooper smelled marijuana in the car. Robb admitted that there was a handgun in the vehicle under his seat and that he was a convicted felon. The trooper recovered a loaded .40 caliber Smith & Wesson pistol. In 2013 Robb was convicted of the felony crime of substantial battery in Milwaukee County and was sentenced to prison.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that Robb was not abiding by his felony firearm prohibition and was concerned that Robb was putting himself in environments where he thought he needed a gun for protection. Judge Peterson found that the sentence was necessary to punish Robb and deter him from possessing another firearm. Robb will also serve 3 years of supervised release.
The charge against Robb was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Attempted Arson During 2020 Civil Unrest in MadisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Willie Tremaine Johnson, 46, Madison, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in prison for attempted arson. Johnson and codefendant Anessa Fierro were indicted by a federal grand jury for this offense in October 2020.
In the early morning hours of August 25, 2020, Johnson attempted to set fire to two commercial buildings in Madison, Wisconsin. Business A was an office building, and Business B was a mixed-use rental property with apartments on the upper levels and retail space on the street level. Several apartments were occupied by sleeping residents at the time.
At Business A, Johnson helped a group of people break out the building’s front windows, and another individual poured gasoline along the walls. Johnson then lit material that had been tossed onto the gasoline, causing the vapors to ignite.
At Business B, Johnson, along with several other people, broke out the retail store’s windows. With the interior of the building exposed, another individual poured gasoline along the front walls. Johnson attempted to ignite the gasoline vapors with a cigarette lighter but fled when officers from the Madison Police Department arrived.
Fierro’s combined plea and sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 19, 2021. Because she has not yet pleaded guilty, the charges against her are merely an accusation and she is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
“Arson should never be confused with legitimate protest. Those who engage in such conduct without regard for the potentially deadly consequences will be held accountable,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Our office will work with our local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to bring those who commit this type of crime to justice.”
"Willie Johnson displayed a complete disregard for the safety of others by committing these acts,” said ATF Assistant Special Agent in Charge Jonathan Ortiz, of the St. Paul Field Division. “ A fire can easily consume a building in mere minutes, putting every occupant or passerby at risk of serious injury or death. We are glad the attempts were unsuccessful since a number of individuals lived in apartment units above one of the locations he attempted to set ablaze. Whether attempted arson or actual, ATF is committed to investigating arson-related crimes alongside our state and local partners.”
The charges against Johnson and Fierro are the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Two Grand Jury Indictments UnsealedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced today that two unrelated indictments returned by a federal grand jury on September 1 have been unsealed following the arrest of the defendants.
Noah Eisele, 35, Janesville, Wisconsin is charged with five counts of producing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on five occasions between April and November 2020, Eisele used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The indictment also charged Eisele with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on March 16, 2021, he possessed a cellphone containing visual depictions of child pornography, and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Eisele was arrested at his home in Janesville on Thursday, September 2. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison that day. He is being held at the Dane County Jail.
If convicted, Eisele faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each production charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
The second indictment charges Michelle Ales, 50, Monona, Wisconsin with two counts of making a false statement while purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer. Both counts allege that Ales falsely indicated she was the actual buyer of a firearm on a required Firearms Transaction Record form when she was purchasing a 9mm firearm, when she knew she was not the actual buyer of the firearm. Count 2 includes the additional allegation that the false statement was intended and likely to deceive the dealer.
Ales was arrested in Madison on Friday, September 3. Her initial appearance in U.S. District Court is not scheduled. She is being held at the Dane County Jail.
If convicted, Ales faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against her are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger 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 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.
Former Ladysmith Teacher Charged with Producing & Possessing Child Pornography
McKenzie W. Johnson, 34, Ladysmith, Wisconsin, is charged in a two-count indictment with producing child pornography and with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on January 13, 2021, Johnson used a minor to produce a visual depiction of the minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The second count of the indictment alleges that on August 24, 2021, he possessed an iPad that contained visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment alleges that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Johnson was arrested in Ladysmith on August 24 and was charged with producing child pornography in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court in Madison on August 26. Federal law requires that an offense charged by criminal complaint must be presented to a grand jury for indictment.
At the time Johnson allegedly produced the child pornography, he was a teacher at the Ladysmith High School. This offense alleged in the indictment does not involve a victim from Wisconsin.
If convicted, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on the production charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ladysmith Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Ladysmith School District, and the Fontana (California) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Andre L. McClinton, 49, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged in a nine-count superseding indictment with drug and gun crimes. The indictment alleges that from September through December 2020, McClinton participated in a conspiracy to distribute and to possess for distribution cocaine. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy involved five kilograms or more of cocaine.
The superseding indictment also charges McClinton with two counts of distributing cocaine, one count of possessing cocaine and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, and one count of possessing marijuana with the intent to distribute.
McClinton is also charged with two counts of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that McClinton possessed a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition and a .45 caliber pistol and ammunition.
McClinton was previously charged with the drug conspiracy in a one-count indictment returned by the grand jury on February 10, 2021.
If convicted, McClinton faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison on the conspiracy charge, a maximum of 20 years on each of the three drug charges involving cocaine and crack cocaine, and a maximum of 5 years on the marijuana charge. The two charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition each have a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The two charges of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime each have a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison, to be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
The charges against McClinton are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Chicago (Illinois) Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Former Vice President of Mercyhealth in Janesville & Owner of Marketing Agency Charged in Kickback SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Barbara Bortner, 57, Milton, Wisconsin, and Ryan Weckerly, 46, Sycamore, Illinois, were charged today with wire fraud. In addition, Bortner was charged with tax evasion and Weckerly was charged with aiding and abetting in the preparation of a false income tax return.
Bortner and Weckerly were charged by an information filed in U.S. District Court today, waiving their right to indictment by a grand jury. Bortner and Weckerly have both agreed to plead guilty to the wire fraud and tax charges. Their plea hearings have not been scheduled.
The wire fraud and tax charges stem from Bortner and Weckerly’s involvement in a kickback scheme while she was the Vice President of Marketing at Mercyhealth based in Janesville, Wisconsin. Weckerly was the owner of Morningstar Media Group, a marketing agency based in Sycamore, Illinois. Beginning in February of 2015, Bortner and Weckerly devised a plan whereby he would submit inflated invoices to Bortner for his marketing work for Mercyhealth. Bortner and Weckerly agreed that he would provide monetary kickbacks to Bortner for the funds he received from the inflated invoices. In return, Bortner agreed she would continue to use Morningstar Media Group as the primary marketing agency for Mercyhealth. The kickback scheme continued until June of 2020 and involved over $3,000,000.
The tax charge against Bortner involves her failure to report the proceeds of the kickback scheme as gross income on her federal tax return for calendar year 2018. Weckerly’s aiding and abetting charge stems from Weckerly providing Bortner with a false Form 1099 for calendar year 2019 that underreported her compensation from Weckerly by excluding the amount of money received in the kickback scheme.
The charges against Bortner and Weckerly were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Former Ladysmith Teacher Charged with Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a complaint was filed today in U.S. District Court in Madison charging McKenzie W. Johnson, 34, of Ladysmith, Wisconsin, with producing child pornography.
The complaint alleges that Johnson produced the child pornography on January 13, 2021. At the time, Johnson was a teacher at the Ladysmith High School. The offense alleged in the complaint does not involve a victim from Wisconsin.
Johnson was arrested on August 24 and is currently in the Rusk County Jail. His initial appearance in federal court in Madison has not been scheduled.
If convicted, Johnson faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison and is subject to a lifetime period of supervised release.
The charge against Johnson is the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Ladysmith Police Department, Rusk County Sheriff’s Office, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Ladysmith School District, and the Fontana (California) 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.
Madison Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brandon Rankin, 27, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 30 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Rankin pleaded guilty to this charge on May 18, 2021.
On February 2, 2021, a Madison police officer made a traffic stop on the vehicle that Rankin was driving. When the officer approached the vehicle, he observed that Rankin had a gun in his hand. Rankin immediately sped away at speeds reaching 80 miles per hour. Rankin’s vehicle went airborne over a speed bump and ultimately crashed into another car, causing significant damage to both vehicles. Rankin then fled the scene of the crash on foot and was taken into custody with the assistance of a police K9. Officers searched his car and found an unloaded 9mm handgun, 4.4 grams of crack cocaine, and a significant amount of cash. Rankin has a prior felony conviction for robbery.
At sentencing, Judge Conley found that Rankin possessed the gun in connection with a drug trafficking offense and that this was a very dangerous course of conduct. Judge Conley remarked that the events in this case could have resulted in the death or serious injury of either Rankin or the occupant of the vehicle that he hit.
The charge against Rankin was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
Fall Creek Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Illegal Possession of FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Roy Hopp, 41, Fall Creek, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 8 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Hopp pleaded guilty to this charge on June 1, 2021.
On November 12, 2020, Hopp was arrested driving a stolen car in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Police searched Hopp, finding a stolen .380 caliber pistol in his pocket. Hopp pleaded guilty to a state burglary charge related to the gun theft.
At sentencing, Judge Conley indicated that he imposed the long sentence on Hopp due to the severity of the offense and his persistent criminal history which included convictions for burglary, theft, drug offenses, and sexual assault. Judge Conley reflected that Hopp was a danger to the community and recommended that he receive mental health and substance abuse treatment.
The charge against Hopp was the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Sheriff’s Office, Eau Claire Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Menomonie Felon Sentenced to 54 Months for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Xavier Gentry, 33, Menomonie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 54 months in prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon. This prison sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Gentry pleaded guilty to this charge on May 21, 2021.
On June 7, 2020, while outside of a bar in downtown Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Gentry pulled out a loaded firearm and displayed it during an altercation. He then ran from responding officers, who arrested him in a nearby parking lot. Notably, just seven days earlier, Gentry was sentenced to state probation in Eau Claire County Case No. 19CF1767. That case charged Gentry for various crimes after he shot and injured a person and injured a dog during a drug robbery.
The term of imprisonment in this case will run concurrently with a three-and-a-half-year prison sentence Gentry is currently serving in connection to Eau Claire County Case No. 20CF774. Gentry was convicted in that case for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute on the same night as this federal offense.
At sentencing, Judge Conley reasoned that additional prison time was warranted because of the great risk Gentry posed to the community when he chose to display a loaded handgun. Judge Conley also noted that Gentry’s extensive criminal history, which includes 13 prior convictions and crimes of violence, also shows that he has been unable or unwilling to take responsibility or his own actions up until this point.
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.
The charges against Gentry were the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Eau Claire Sheriff’s Department also provided assistance. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
Madison Man Charged with Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin man is charged with gun crimes in an indictment returned on August 11, 2021 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison. The charges are announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Randy X. Bond, 36, with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that between April 10 and April 26, 2021, Bond possessed a Glock 43 caliber pistol. The second count of the indictment charges him with unlawfully possessing the firearm knowing that he was subject to a court order restraining him from harassing, stalking, and threatening an intimate partner.
The indictment was unsealed following Bond’s arrest by FBI agents on Friday, August 13 in Memphis, Tennessee. He made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Tennessee yesterday and a detention hearing will be held on August 19. A date has not been set for his initial appearance in Wisconsin.
If convicted, Bond faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Madison Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution. Kevin Whitmore, an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Tennessee, handled the initial appearance in Memphis.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Former D.C. Everest Teacher Sentenced to 8 1/2 Years for Secretly Recording StudentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Travis Greil, 40, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 8 ½ years in prison for secretly producing videos that depict minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by three years of supervised release. Greil pleaded guilty to this charge on May 13, 2021.
Greil was a teacher at D.C. Everest Senior High School for approximately 15 years. On February 12, 2020, a parent reported that his daughter, one of Greil’s students, thought that Greil had taken a picture of her, up her skirt. The daughter was interviewed and explained that something similar had also happened to one of her friends.
Later that night, school officials obtained Greil’s electronic devices and turned them over to law enforcement. Law enforcement eventually searched the defendant’s personal iPad and found 132 videos of 81 underage female students and 1 adult, dating from September 2015 to February 2020. It appeared that all the videos were taken at Greil’s desk at the school and were either “up-blouse” images that focused on the victim’s breasts or “up-skirt” images that focused on victim’s pubic area or buttocks.
At the sentencing, numerous victims told the Court how Greil’s actions had impacted their lives, expressing feelings including anger and betrayal. Judge Conley noted the defendant used his position of trust as an educator to manipulate his bright and ambitious students and called the defendant’s conduct predatory.
The charge against Greil was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation – Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force; Wisconsin Department of Justice Office of Crime Victim Services; Everest Metro and Wausau Police Departments; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Marathon County District Attorney’s Office; and the Wausau Police Department – Victim Resource Unit, with the assistance of the D.C. Everest Area School District. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Chadwick Elgersma and State of Wisconsin Assistant Attorney General David Maas.
Eagle River Man Charged with Child Pornography CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that an indictment was unsealed today charging Ryan Shelton, 29, Eagle River, Wisconsin, with receiving and possessing child pornography. The indictment was returned yesterday by a grand jury sitting in Madison.
The indictment alleges that on February 12, 2021, Shelton received a live stream video via Omegle that depicted a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also alleges that on May 26, 2021, Shelton possessed visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct, and that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Shelton was arrested this morning at his home and appeared in U.S. District Court in Madison this afternoon. He was ordered detained pending further proceedings.
If convicted, Shelton faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on the charge of receiving child pornography, and a maximum of 20 years on the possession charge. He is also subject to a lifetime period of supervised release.
The charges against Shelton were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation assisted by the Vilas and Oneida County Sheriffs’ Offices. Assistant U.S. 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.
Corrected Release: Final Defendant in Video Gambling Machine Tax Evasion Case Sentenced to 14 MonthsRead the Press Release
This release corrects an earlier version which indicated that James Donker cooperated with the government. That was incorrect.
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that James Donker, 63, Eagle River, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 14 months in federal prison and fined $25,000 for conspiracy to the defraud the Internal Revenue Service. Donker pleaded guilty to this charge on June 4, 2021.
Donker is the sixth defendant to be charged and convicted of tax crimes relating to a federal tax investigation into video gambling machine (VGM) vendors and bar owners who skimmed VGM cash receipts and failed to pay federal and state income taxes, as well as state sales taxes on the gambling revenues. The other defendants include:
Defendant
Charge
Tax Loss
Prison Sentence Imposed
Fine Imposed
Restitution Ordered to IRS and WI Dept. of Revenue
Cherie Hellenbrand
Filing False Tax Return
$268,852
6 months
$350,191
Dudley Hellenbrand
Filing False Tax Return
$268,852
6 months
$350,191
Tom Laugen
Tax Evasion
$580,220
1 year and 1 day
$548,416
Mary Lavine
Filing False Tax Return & Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS
$3,028,930
1 year and 1 day
$75,000
$2,762,622
Colin Albany
Conspiracy to Defraud the IRS
$146,337
1 year of probation
$146,337
This investigation began when an IRS Criminal Investigation Special Agent working undercover posed as a buyer for Middleton Sports Bowl (MSB), which had been listed for sale by the owners, Dudley and Cherie Hellenbrand in late 2017. The undercover agent met with the Hellenbrands, Tom Laugen, and Colin Albany at MSB on May 31, 2018. At that meeting, the Hellenbrands admitted to the agent that they skimmed the cash receipts from the VGMs and did not report the skim on their tax returns. They told the agent they stored the skimmed VGM cash receipts at a safe in their home and used the cash to pay for various things, including a car, spending money for vacation, $40,000 in landscaping, and cash wages to some of their employees.
Laugen told the agent that his company, Global Vending, prepared false collection tickets and false machine generated tickets that underreported the true gross receipts and profits generated from the VGMs. Laugen stated, “you got to steal in this business or you ain’t going to make any money.” Laugen later admitted to investigators that Donker supplied the false machine generated tickets.
Albany told the agent that his company, Bullseye, would report whatever VGM income number the bar owner wanted them to report. Bullseye's owner, Mary Lavine, later told the Hellenbrands she would underreport the VGM cash receipts by whatever number the Hellenbrands desired.
Search warrants executed at MSB and at the homes of Laugen and the Hellenbrands resulted in the seizure of ledgers and business records showing the evasion of federal and state taxes on VGM cash receipts going back to 2010. All six defendants pleaded guilty and four of the six - but not Donker - agreed to cooperate with the government in enforcing tax compliance with their bar customers who operated VGMs.
At today's sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that Donker’s sentence was 2 months more than Laugen’s, his colleague at Global Vending, because Donker destroyed his business records after being served with a federal grand jury subpoena demanding the production of the records. Judge Peterson emphasized that Donker committed a serious crime that involved a significant tax loss. As a result, Donker needed a sentence that was punitive and would send a message to the business community that "if they evade taxes this is the price they will pay. There is a cost to it and the cost is a prison term."
Judge Peterson ordered Donker to report to prison on September 17, 2021. The judge also ordered Donker to pay total restitution of $540,619, which consists of $224,733 to the IRS, $42,411 to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for Donker's state income taxes, and $273,475 to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue for the state sales taxes due and owing by Global Vending. Judge Peterson noted that Donker's restitution order may be moot because Donker paid $540,619 last month to settle these tax debts.
The case against these six defendants is the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Office of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Graber and Chadwick Elgersma.
Menomonie Man Sentenced to 81 Months for Illegal Firearm & Heroin PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Hartwig, 34, Menomonie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 81 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon and for possessing heroin with intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.
On May 6, 2020, undercover officers approached Hartwig as part of a drug trafficking investigation. Upon seeing the officers, Hartwig ran, resulting in a short pursuit during which Hartwig displayed a 9mm pistol. After tackling Hartwig, officers recovered the gun along with a backpack Hartwig dropped. The backpack contained an additional magazine loaded with 9mm ammunition, heroin packaged for sale, Hartwig’s wallet, and a small amount of methamphetamine.
At the time of these offenses, Hartwig was on community supervision in connection with a 2011 Wisconsin conviction for delivery of heroin and a 2019 Wisconsin conviction for possession of methamphetamine. Under federal law, he has been prohibited from possessing any firearm or ammunition since 2007.
At sentencing Judge Peterson remarked that Hartwig’s persistent drug offenses, along with acts of violence in his criminal history, made him a danger to the community. Judge Peterson also noted that Hartwig’s illegal possession of the firearm demonstrated his disregard of the law, as did the fact he fled from officers.
The investigation in this case was conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, Menomonie Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant United States Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
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.
Two Rothschild Men Charged in Money Laundering Conspiracy
Mario Amezcua-Cardenas, 27, and Moises Amezcua-Cardenas, 20, both of Rothschild, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to commit money laundering involving the proceeds of a fraud scheme targeting businesses in Wisconsin and elsewhere. The two defendants are brothers.
The indictment alleges that from November to December 2020, the two defendants conspired to launder the proceeds of a scheme involving unknown perpetrators who operated from Mexico and convinced employees of businesses to collect and deliver the businesses’ cash-on-hand to the defendants by posing as company attorneys, store managers, or upper management from a corporate office.
As part of the conspiracy, the indictment alleges that the two defendants used financial transactions to transfer the fraud proceeds to others. The indictment alleges that in December 2020, the defendants collected $242,980 from a retail store located in the Western District of Wisconsin and transferred the funds to an individual in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
If convicted, Mario Amezcua-Cardenas and Moises Amezcua-Cardenas face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against them is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; Federal Bureau of Investigation; Marathon and Portage County Sheriffs’ Offices; the Merrill, Everest Metropolitan, Stevens Point, Wausau, Rib Mountain, Plover, Rothschild, and West Allis Police Departments; with assistance by the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin is handling the prosecution.
Merrill Man Charged with Producing and Transporting Child Pornography
Jason D. Ridolfi, 40, Merrill, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of using a minor to produce child pornography and one count of transporting child pornography. The indictment alleges that on August 30 and 31, 2017, Ridolfi used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. The indictment further alleges that on October 20, 2020, Ridolfi transported a visual image of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct into a Google account.
If convicted, Ridolfi faces a mandatory minimum of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each of the production charges, and a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years on the transportation charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, and Kenosha Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Wisconsin Dells Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Levonte C. Scales, 29, Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute, with possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine and a handgun on June 22, 2021.
If convicted, Scales faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the methamphetamine charge, a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and a maximum of 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm charge. 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 Scales are the result of an investigation by the Lake Delton Police Department, Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the prosecution.
Baraboo Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Anthony James Wilson, 28, Baraboo, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that Wilson possessed a loaded .357 caliber revolver on June 3, 2021.
If convicted, Wilson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
The indictments charging Scales and Wilson have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the centerpiece of the Department of Justice’s violent crime reduction efforts. PSN is an evidence-based program proven to be effective at reducing violent crime. Through PSN, a broad spectrum of stakeholders works together to identify the most pressing violent crime problems in the community and develop comprehensive solutions to address them. As part of this strategy, PSN focuses enforcement efforts on the most violent offenders and partners with locally based prevention and reentry programs for lasting reductions in crime.
Dunn County Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Richard Skramstad, 58, Knapp, Wisconsin, is charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on April 12, April 13, and May 13, 2021.
If convicted, Skramstad faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Trafficking Fentanyl and CocaineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesse J. Stringer, 33, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Stringer pleaded guilty to this charge on May 24, 2021.
On September 23, 2020, La Crosse Police Department officers purchased 6.3 grams of fentanyl from Stringer through a confidential informant in La Crosse. The next day, officers purchased 6 grams of fentanyl from Stringer, again through a confidential informant in La Crosse. On October 13, 2020, law enforcement officers obtained a search warrant for Stringer’s apartment in La Crosse, and found 86 grams of fentanyl, 81 grams of crack cocaine, 259 grams of powder cocaine, and $15,600 in cash.
In imposing sentence, Judge Peterson noted the particular danger posed by fentanyl, Stringer’s sustained involvement in this drug activity, his criminal history, and the fact that he committed these crimes while out on bond for multiple open state cases involving drug charges.
The charge against Stringer was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse and Town of Campbell Police Departments, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The La Crosse County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in this case. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Armed Robbery & Gun CrimeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kenneth J. Lawson, 32, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 9 years in federal prison for armed robbery and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Lawson pled guilty to these charges on May 17, 2021.
On June 21, 2020, Lawson and a female associate robbed the occupants of a La Crosse apartment. Lawson carried a loaded 9mm handgun. When the female resident opened the door, Lawson grabbed her by the throat, hit her in the face, and pushed her to the ground. Lawson then attacked the male occupant, punching him multiple times in the face. During this altercation, Lawson’s gun fell from his waistband to the floor. Lawson and the male victim struggled over the gun. Eventually, the male victim returned the gun to Lawson after ensuring that it was unloaded.
Once Lawson regained possession of the gun, he and the female associate fled the apartment. Lawson accidentally left his cellphone and the loaded gun magazine in the apartment. When officers arrived, they found both victims had suffered injuries from the attack and many items inside the apartment were damaged.
La Crosse Police Department officers and the victims identified Lawson after searching the cell phone he’d dropped during the attack and finding his pictures on his Instagram account. The handgun used in the robbery was located by La Crosse police officers a few days later in the apartment where Lawson lived.
At the time of the robbery, Lawson was on Minnesota state supervision. He had multiple prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
In sentencing Lawson for the armed robbery and gun possession, Judge Conley noted the severity of the offense – a planned robbery to which Lawson brought a loaded gun and where the victims were brutally attacked, suffering trauma and injuries. Judge Conley noted that the La Crosse robbery was part of Lawson’s long history of violence.
The charges against Lawson 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 also provided assistance in this case. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Fort Atkinson Man Sentenced to 15 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 Christopher Cahill, 42, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 15 years in federal prison for distributing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by a life-time period of supervised release.
In May 2020, Cahill emailed himself a sexually explicit video of a minor. In sentencing him to 15 years, Judge Peterson found as an aggravating factor Cahill’s two prior convictions for sex offenses against juveniles.
The charge against Cahill was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Cottage Grove Police Department, the Fort Atkinson Police Department, and with the assistance of the Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Tomah Man Sentenced to over 17 Years for Using Minors to Produce Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Shannon R. Donoho, 43, Tomah, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 210 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography and using minors to produce child pornography. This prison term is to be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Donoho was convicted of these charges on May 13, 2021, after a three-day jury trial in federal court in Madison.
The investigation in this case began when law enforcement downloaded child pornography made available by Donoho on an online file sharing network. Following a search warrant executed at Donoho’s home, law enforcement recovered hundreds of images and videos of child pornography from the defendant’s computers and external storage devices. These images and videos included depictions of children as young as five years old engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
Law enforcement also determined Donoho used hidden cameras to record at least two children with whom he had personal relationships between 2016 and 2018. The defendant secretly recorded these victims, who were under the age of 12 at the time, as they showered and used the bathroom at his home and the home of a former girlfriend. The resulting videos and screenshots focused on the victims’ genitals and were also saved to Donoho’s computers and external hard drives. He produced the images using multiple hidden GoPro cameras.
In sentencing Donoho, Judge Conley emphasized the defendant’s supervisory control over the two identified victims that he recorded. This supervisory control included babysitting them and giving them rides to school. Judge Conley found that Donoho’s manipulation of his position of trust was an aggravating factor, as was the subsequent traumatization of these children following the discovery of the secret recordings.
The charges against Donoho were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Tomah Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie S. Pfluger and Taylor L. Kraus.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 78 Months for Drug Trafficking & Violating His SupervisionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tang Vue, 35, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 60 months in federal prison for distribution of 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and another 18 consecutive months in prison for violating the terms of his federal supervised release. Vue pleaded guilty to the methamphetamine trafficking charge on May 18, 2021.
On January 29 and February 3, 2021, a police informant purchased methamphetamine from Vue. Immediately after the second drug buy, police detectives followed Vue to a restaurant in La Crosse and arrested him. A search of Vue’s backpack uncovered $12,720 and a drug ledger—which indicated that some of Vue’s drug customers owed him thousands of dollars. Also, a search of Vue’s home revealed thousands of empty gem bags, commonly used to package methamphetamine.
In sentencing Vue, Judge Conley emphasized that Vue’s conduct in this case was egregious, especially since he was on supervised release for a 2012 federal methamphetamine trafficking conviction.
The charge against Vue was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.
Ladysmith Man Sentenced to 9 Years for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eric G. Cooke, 51, Ladysmith, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 9 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Cooke pleaded guilty to this charge on April 28, 2021.
On July 2, 2020, an investigator with the Rusk County Sheriff’s Department conducted a traffic stop for speeding on a vehicle being driven by Cooke. During the traffic stop, the female passenger told the officer that Cooke forced her to conceal a baggie containing of small amount of methamphetamine to avoid arrest. She turned over the baggie of methamphetamine to the officer, and when officers searched the vehicle, they found a bag containing approximately 118 grams of methamphetamine. Officers also found over $10,000 in cash on Cooke. In addition, the female passenger directed officers to a location off a roadway in Chippewa County where Cooke stashed a cooler containing over three and a half pounds of marijuana.
Cooke was interviewed and admitted to selling methamphetamine off and on for approximately 25 years. He also admitted to selling methamphetamine in increasingly large quantities in 2020 following his release from a yearlong county jail sentence.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Peterson noted the fairly substantial quantity of methamphetamine involved and that Cooke was able to generate enough money selling drugs to purchase a car and have $10,000 in cash on him. Judge Peterson balanced those factors along with Cooke’s lengthy prior criminal record, against his struggle with addiction and his acceptance of responsibility for his actions.
At the time of this incident, Cooke was on state supervision for a prior conviction involving methamphetamine trafficking. His supervision in that case was revoked and he is currently serving a state prison sentence with an expected release date of July 3, 2025. Judge Peterson ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the state prison sentence.
The charge against Cooke was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Chippewa, Clark, Eau Claire, and Rusk County Sheriff’s Offices, Eau Claire and Ladysmith Police Departments, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson.
Repeat Offender Sentenced to 90 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Deandre Bishop, 44, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 90 months in federal prison for possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. Bishop pleaded guilty to this charge on May 4, 2021.
On August 3, 2020, law enforcement agents executed a search warrant at a residence in Waunakee, Wisconsin. During the search, Bishop was found in bed and was the only occupant of the bedroom. A search of the room uncovered 47 grams of crack cocaine, two digital scales, drug packaging materials, materials used to cook powder cocaine into crack cocaine, and $3,400. Upon his arrest, officers found $860 in Bishop’s pocket. At the time of this offense, Bishop was on supervised release for a 2007 federal conviction for distribution of crack cocaine.
In sentencing Bishop, Judge Conley emphasized Bishop’s lengthy criminal history and his failure to successfully complete numerous prior terms of community supervision.
The charge against Bishop was the result of an investigation conducted by the Waunakee Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys David J. Reinhard and Zachary Corey.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Xavier Arthur, 24, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 30 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Arthur pleaded guilty to this charge on April 1, 2021.
On May 25, 2020, a Sun Prairie police officer stopped Arthur when the car he was driving nearly hit a bicyclist. Arthur was arrested for operating while under the influence. Police found a loaded 9mm handgun in his pocket and a loaded extended magazine in the center console of the car. Arthur said that he had the gun for protection.
In 2019 Arthur was convicted of felony bail jumping and misdemeanor domestic battery. In the battery case, charges of robbery with force, false imprisonment, and intimidation of a victim while threatening force were dismissed but read-in for sentencing purposes. There, Arthur had a handgun on him, hit the victim in the mouth, and threatened to shoot her in the head.
Arthur also has a pending charge out of Illinois for possession of a 9mm firearm with a defaced serial number. The government noted that this was now Arthur’s third firearm case.
At sentencing, Judge Conley remarked that this was very serious offense, that Arthur nearly ran over a bicyclist while driving drunk, and that having a gun while intoxicated was a “horrible combination.” The judge also noted that the prior domestic case involved him brandishing a gun, and that Arthur was on probation for that offense when arrested in this federal case. Arthur was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release.
The charge against Arthur was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and 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.
Luck Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possessing Firearms as a FelonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Thomas Olsem, 53, Luck, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today, and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in prison for possessing firearms as a felon.
Olsem was convicted of possessing two firearms, a .22 caliber “pen gun” and .380 handgun, that law enforcement found on March 9, 2020, while executing a search warrant on Olsem’s residence and shed. Olsem admitted to possessing those firearms. He has prior felony convictions for distributing amphetamines and eluding an officer, and was sentenced to prison in both of those previous cases. Olsem was also convicted in 2013 of being a felon in possession of several firearms.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Olsem’s adult life was marked with criminal convictions, a pattern of returning to a criminal lifestyle, and continued possession of large quantities of drugs and firearms. Judge Conley remarked that Olsem has not shown that he is aging out of committing crimes, but instead his instant offense is worse than any of his prior convictions. Olsem was ordered to serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.
The charge against Olsem was the result of an investigation conducted by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office and 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.
Darlington Man Sentenced to 8 Years for Receiving Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Alan J. Liphart, 36, of Darlington, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 96 months in prison for receiving child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Liphart pleaded guilty to this charge on April 8, 2021.
On May 25, 2020, Liphart was taken into custody for violating a condition of his probation and a smart phone was seized. Officers analyzed the phone and found text messages between Liphart and a then-14-year-old child from approximately five years earlier. In one of the messages, he asked the victim to send a picture of their genitals and the victim complied. Text messages also showed the defendant then traveled to meet the minor and paid the minor to engage in sexual conduct.
Judge Conley noted that Liphart’s criminal history began when he was 15 years old and that he had a history of victimizing children dating back decades. Judge Conley was also concerned that Liphart did not take his sex offender treatment seriously and that until he did, he remained a danger to the community.
The charge against Liphart was the result of an investigation conducted by the Darlington Police Department, Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, and Rock Island (Illinois) Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.