Western District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
6-Time Convicted Armed Drug Trafficker Sentenced to 20 YearsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Danny Turner, 40, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 20 years in federal prison for 5 counts of distributing crack cocaine and heroin, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Turner was convicted of these charges on July 15, 2020, after a three-day trial.
In January and February of 2020, Turner sold crack cocaine and heroin to an undercover police officer on five separate occasions. At the time of his arrest, he fought with the arresting officer while possessing a loaded firearm and more crack cocaine. Turner committed the first two drug distribution offenses while still on supervised release for his 2008 federal conviction for distribution of crack cocaine. Because Turner has three or more felony drug trafficking convictions and possessed a firearm, he was subject to a 15-year mandatory minimum sentence under the Armed Career Criminal Act. In addition, he faced another 5-year mandatory consecutive term of imprisonment because of his conviction for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.
The charges against Turner were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard.
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.
La Crosse Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography
Thomas J. Hook, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with 6 counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on six occasions in March and July 2020, Hook used a cellular phone to produce a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Hook 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 La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Coulee Region Children’s Internet Protection Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Illinois Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes
John Woodward, 32, Oregon, Illinois, is charged with two counts of knowingly accessing a file containing a visual depiction of child pornography. The indictment alleges that he accessed the files on June 27 and August 10, 2020, and that the visual depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Woodward faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the investigation.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Methamphetamine
Steven S. McCurdy, 63, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on November 30, 2020 and March 1, 2021, and that he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 1, 2021.
If convicted, McCurdy 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 of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The charges against McCurdy are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse and Campbell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Kyle Parker, 35, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that on April 3, 2021, he possessed 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
If convicted, Parker 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Waupaca Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Justin M. Baumgardt, 36, Waupaca, 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 May 26, 2021.
If convicted, Baumgardt 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 Barron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the prosecution.
Minnesota Man Charged with Possessing Cocaine for Distribution
Lashawn M. Bennett, 50, Saint Paul, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine on March 17, 2021.
If convicted, Bennett 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 Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Distributing MethamphetamineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Zachary Tepsa, 33, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced on Friday, June 25 by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for distributing 5 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Tepsa pleaded guilty to this charge on January 27, 2021.
On March 12, 2019, officers with the West Central Drug Task Force purchased 12.9 grams of pure methamphetamine from Tepsa through a confidential informant in Eau Claire. At the time, Tepsa was on state supervision for a prior conviction for delivery of methamphetamine. Through further investigation, law enforcement discovered that Tepsa was involved in extensive methamphetamine trafficking in western Wisconsin.
In imposing the sentence and discussing the severity of Tepsa’s drug trafficking, Judge Peterson said that Tepsa was a significant player and had people dealing underneath him. Additionally, Judge Peterson emphasized the need to protect the community from Tepsa’s drug dealing.
Tepsa is currently serving two state prison sentences for delivering methamphetamine and for fleeing or eluding an officer in a vehicle, with a projected release date in May 2023. Judge Peterson ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with those state prison sentences.
The charge against Tepsa was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Chippewa and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Departments, Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire District Attorney’s Office, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson.
Former Mayor of Columbus Sentenced for Loan FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Michael Eisenga, 49, Columbus, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months in federal prison for loan fraud. The prison term is to be followed by a five-year term of supervised release. Eisenga pled guilty to the charge on March 25, 2021. He was also ordered to pay restitution of approximately $4,000,000. Eisenga was ordered to begin serving his sentence in July, when he will report to prison.
Eisenga owned several businesses, including CCC Lot 2, LLC, which was a Wisconsin company with its principal place of business in Columbus, Wisconsin. On behalf of CCC Lot 2, Eisenga sought and obtained from a credit union in Illinois, a $6.9 million commercial mortgage. He convinced the credit union to issue the loan by representing, among other things, that he had already secured Festival Foods Inc. as a tenant for the property through a 20-year lease agreement and that another company, Supervalue Holdings Inc., had guaranteed the lease.
After Eisenga defaulted on the loan, the credit union ultimately discovered that the signatories on the purported lease and lease guarantee that Eisenga gave to the credit union never signed the documents nor did their respective companies enter into any such agreements with Eisenga. The documents were wholly fraudulent and no such lease or lease guarantee ever existed.
The charge against Eisenga was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The United States would also like to acknowledge the assistance of the U.S. Trustee’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin.
Eleven-Time Felon Sentenced to 72 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 Almondo Baker, 40, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon. Baker pleaded guilty to this charge on May 4, 2021.
The charge in this case stemmed from an individual reporting to law enforcement that Baker drove to the individual’s residence on June 22, 2020, displayed a handgun, and verbally threatened them. Law enforcement then located and searched the vehicle Baker was driving and found a loaded .45 caliber Ruger handgun with a bullet in the chamber. This handgun had previously been reported stolen.
Baker was previously convicted of 11 different felonies including illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. Judge Conley emphasized Baker’s criminal history and his threatening behavior in this case before imposing the 72-month sentence.
The charge against Baker was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary J. Corey.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 63 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 Jaime Williams, 34, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 63 months in federal prison for unlawfully possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon. Williams pleaded guilty to this charge on March 17, 2021.
The charge in this case stemmed from a traffic stop of Williams’s vehicle on September 26, 2020. After stopping Williams, police searched his vehicle and located a loaded 9-millimeter Ruger handgun on the driver’s side floorboard. This handgun had previously been reported stolen. Additionally, officers located crack cocaine in the vehicle and MDMA in Williams’s pocket.
This is Williams’s third conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. At time of the offense in this case, he was serving a term of extended supervision in connection with his two state convictions for this crime.
The charges against Williams were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. 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.
Columbia County Business Owner Charged with Tax Crimes
Christa Johnson, 56, Cambria, Wisconsin, is charged in a 17-count indictment with failing to pay payroll and other taxes associated with a business owned by her and with corruptly endeavoring to impede the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment alleges that from July 2015 to January 2017, Johnson was the owner of Johnson Sausage Shoppe, Inc. (JSS), a meat processing plant, grocery store, and catering business in Rio, Wisconsin, and failed to pay over to the IRS federal income taxes, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes withheld from the wages of JSS employees. The indictment also charges that during this same time period, Johnson failed to pay to the IRS all of the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes due on behalf of JSS. The indictment further alleges that Johnson failed to pay to the IRS federal unemployment taxes in 2015 and 2016. Overall, the indictment alleges that Johnson failed to pay $155,936 in taxes owed.
The last count of the indictment charges Johnson with corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the IRS in their collection efforts to obtain payment of the unpaid taxes and their investigation into Johnson’s failure to pay the taxes. The indictment alleges that she intentionally withheld corporate records requested by a grand jury subpoena issued to JSS and that she created a false narrative about other individuals she claimed were responsible for the failure to pay the taxes.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each of the seven counts of failing to pay payroll taxes, 1 year for each of the nine counts of failing to pay the employer’s share of FICA taxes and failing to pay unemployment taxes, and 3 years on the charge of corruptly endeavoring to impede the IRS.
The charges against Johnson are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber is handling the prosecution.
Two Chicago Men Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Gregorio Arreola Mendoza, 34, and Jose A. Mendoza-Cortez, 32, both of Chicago, Illinois, are charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that they possessed the methamphetamine on February 24, 2021.
If convicted, Mendoza and Mendoza-Cortez 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 Wisconsin State Patrol, West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Christopher H. McCartney, 35, La Crosse, 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 April 30, 2021.
If convicted, McCartney 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 La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Chippewa County Man Charged with Gun Crime
Steven Sorensen, 42, Cornell, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 6, 2021, he possessed a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.
If convicted, Sorensen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Indiana Man Sentenced to 25 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Adrian C. Gardiner, 42, Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 25 years in federal prison for producing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 30 years of supervised release. Gardiner pleaded guilty to this charge on March 25, 2021.
Gardiner drove from Hammond, Indiana to Cottage Grove, Wisconsin and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old child living there on numerous occasions in 2019, recording it at least two times. In addition to sexually assaulting the minor, he gave the minor alcohol and threatened the minor’s family.
Judge Conley called the defendant’s conduct “horrific” and noted that it caused harm not only to the victim, but to her entire family.
The charge against Gardiner was the result of an investigation conducted by the Cottage Grove Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Indiana State Police. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Six Charged in Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Six individuals are charged with a methamphetamine conspiracy in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison on May 12, 2021, announced Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul. The indictment was unsealed following the arrests of the defendants.
The defendants are Levi Bagne, 30, Buckeye, Arizona; Corey Freyermuth, 38, Oshkosh, Wisconsin; TJ Myers, 32, Merrill, Wisconsin; Amy Pehlke, 33, Merrill; Krista Sparks, 26, Phoenix, Arizona; and Matthew White, 36, Merrill.
Each of the defendants is charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and to possess 50 grams of more of methamphetamine for distribution. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated from June 2019 through May 2021. In addition, Myers is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution on June 8, 2020. Pehlke and White also are charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Pehlke distributed the drug on July 23, 2020, and White did so on July 28, 2020. Bagne and Freyermuth are charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution on September 2, 2020.
The government’s investigation revealed that beginning in June of 2019, Bagne and Sparks used the United States Postal Service to mail methamphetamine from Phoenix, Arizona, to Freyermuth in Oshkosh. In November of 2019, agents seized a mail parcel sent by Bagne and Sparks to Freyermuth and found two pounds of methamphetamine. In February of 2020, agents seized another mail parcel sent by Bagne and Sparks to Freyermuth and found approximately six pounds of methamphetamine. On September 2, 2020, agents executed a search warrant on a storage facility in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, used by Bagne and Freyermuth and found ten pounds of methamphetamine. In total, agents have seized approximately 20 pounds of methamphetamine and 14 firearms during the course of the investigation.
The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of property constituting or derived from proceeds of the conspiracy, including real property located in Buckeye, Arizona; $5,866 in U.S. currency seized on July 23, 2020, in Merrill; $1,180 in U.S. currency seized on April 8, 2021, in Merrill; and $31,220 in U.S. currency seized on April 8, 2021 in Schofield, Wisconsin.
“A combined local, state, and federal investigation led to the indictment charging these six individuals with operating an interstate drug trafficking scheme,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to working with our law enforcement partners to identify and prosecute those who bring methamphetamine into Wisconsin and distribute it in our communities.”
“By working up the supply chain, the investigators in this case were able to identify individuals allegedly responsible for trafficking large amounts of meth into Wisconsin,” said AG Kaul. “Thank you to Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the many agencies that worked together to make Wisconsin safer by taking down this alleged drug trafficking organization.”
Bagne and Sparks were arrested in Arizona on May 26. The same day, Freyermuth was arrested in Oshkosh and Pehlke was arrested in Merrill. Myers and White are in state custody on state charges. Bagne and Sparks have made an initial appearance in Arizona; no date has been set for their appearance in U.S. District Court in Wisconsin. Pehlke and Freyermuth had detention hearings in federal court in Madison on June 1 and June 2, respectively. Pehlke was released this morning on court-imposed conditions, and Freyermuth remains detained.
If convicted, each defendant faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on each charge. The charges against the defendants are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, Lake Winnebago Area MEG Unit, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Glendale (Arizona) Police Department – Special Investigations Unit, Arizona High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area West Valley Task Force, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service.
Edgerton Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Gun Possession During Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kyle Olson, 29, Edgerton, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Olson pleaded guilty to this charge on December 1, 2020.
On May 31, 2020, downtown Madison was experiencing civil unrest following peaceful protests. Olson saw a live video feed of these events and drove to Madison to see it for himself. Olson said that he brought a loaded .45 caliber handgun with him for protection because of what was going on in the area. At the time, Olson had four felony car theft convictions from 2015 and was on supervision after being released from state prison.
When Olson arrived downtown, several Madison Police Department officers observed him take a gun out of his trunk, tuck it into his waistband, and conceal it with his shirt. Because of the escalating violence in the area, the officers detained Olson to determine if he had a valid concealed carry permit. As the officers recovered the gun, Olson told them that he was a felon and knew he should not have the gun.
At sentencing, Judge Conley said that he was very thankful that the officers intervened, considering the violent civil unrest in the area. Judge Conley also said that it was deeply concerning that Olson said he drove to Madison because he was “tired of watching people burn down buildings.” Judge Conley noted that this was the latest in a long string of self-destructive behaviors by Olson that endangered others and, in this case, the police.
The charge against Olson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison 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.
Registered Sex Offender Sentenced to 144 Months for Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony A. Atkins, 47, Webster, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 144 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Atkins pleaded guilty to this charge on February 9, 2021.
On June 15, 2020, a probation officer took possession of three phones from Atkins, who was not allowed to have them. She did a preliminary search of the phones, observed what she believed to be child pornography, and turned the phones over to law enforcement. Law enforcement officials obtained a search warrant for the phones and found numerous images of child pornography.
In sentencing Atkins, Judge Conley expressed concern that Atkins had a sexual interest in children for the last 25 years and committed hands-on offenses in the past. Judge Conley also noted it was at least the third time Atkins violated his sex offender registry notification requirements.
The charge against Atkins was the result of an investigation conducted by the Burnett County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Arson During June 2020 Civil Unrest in MadisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin man pleaded guilty and was sentenced today on a federal charge of arson during the civil unrest in Madison in June 2020. Marquon Clark, 26, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson, who imposed a sentence of 7 years in federal prison.
On June 24, 2020, Clark threw projectiles through windows of the City-County Building on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard in Madison and then threw a lit roll of paper towels through the broken windows. The building, which houses city and county government offices, was occupied by over 250 people at the time, including 182 adults and juveniles being held in the jail. Clark’s actions led to a fire in the City-County Building that resulted in approximately $105,000 in damages and clean-up costs.
“Legitimate protest is a central Constitutional right and American value. Arson is simply not part of any legitimate protest. This crime endangered the lives of everyone in the City-County building including the minors in juvenile detention,” said Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin. “We will work with our local, state and federal law enforcement partners to hold accountable those who engage in such conduct without regard for the potentially deadly consequences.”
“Arson is inherently dangerous, and we simply cannot allow it in our communities,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. “I hope this sentencing acts as a significant deterrent for others who may consider committing this heinous crime. We are thankful that Clark’s criminal actions did not cost anyone their life and that justice can be served in this case.”
In imposing the sentence, Judge Peterson noted that Clark’s crime was extremely dangerous and created a serious risk of harm to people inside the City-County Building. Judge Peterson also noted that a lengthy prison sentence was warranted in light of Clark’s extensive criminal history, which includes two violent crimes. Judge Peterson also ordered Clark to pay restitution in the full amount of damages and clean-up costs at the City-County Building.
The charge against Clark was the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Dane County Sheriff’s Office; Madison Police Department; and the Madison Fire Investigation Team.
Federal & State Officials Advise COVID-19 Vaccine Providers in Wisconsin That Individuals Seeking Vaccinations Cannot Be ChargedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin; Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin; Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, Office of Inspector General – Chicago Region (HHS-OIG); and Karen Timberlake, Secretary-designee of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, advise the public that they should not be asked to pay any costs to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and warn COVID-19 vaccination providers not to seek payment from individual COVID-19 vaccine recipients.
COVID-19 vaccination providers participating in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Vaccination Program are required to sign a provider agreement to receive and dispense vaccines. Among the requirements in the agreement, providers must not sell or seek reimbursement for the COVID-19 vaccine or any related supplies and must administer the vaccine regardless of the recipient’s ability to pay. While providers may seek appropriate reimbursement from a public benefit program or private insurance program or plan that covers COVID-19 vaccine administration fees, providers may not seek any reimbursement from the vaccine recipient.
Providers may also seek reimbursement from the Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) COVID-19 Uninsured Program for the costs of administering COVID-19 vaccines to uninsured recipients, or from the HSRA Coverage Assistance Fund (CAF) for the costs of administering COVID-19 vaccines to recipients whose health insurance does not cover vaccine administration fees.
Noncompliance with the terms of the CDC Provider Agreement, such as by billing vaccine recipients for the COVID-19 vaccine or its administration, including co-pays, or denying an individual a vaccination because they are unable to pay any out-of-pocket costs, may result in the provider’s suspension or termination from the CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Program and potential criminal and civil penalties.
“Providers cannot charge anyone to get the COVID-19 vaccine or deny anyone from getting the vaccine if they are uninsured or underinsured – adding unlawful charges creates barriers, especially for persons of limited means, and undermines public health and safety,” said Acting U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Non-compliance with the CDC Provider Agreement’s requirements may result in federal criminal or civil penalties, including but not limited to those set forth in the False Claims Act.”
“Along with our federal, state, and local partners, the Department of Justice is committed to using all available tools to ensure that no one is charged for access to the COVID-19 vaccine,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Frohling.
“Providers need to be on notice that the COVID-19 pandemic should not be exploited as a money-making opportunity by inappropriately charging beneficiaries for the administration of available vaccines,” said Lamont Pugh III, Special Agent in Charge, HHS-OIG - Chicago Region. “The OIG and its law enforcement partners will continue to support the unprecedented COVID-19 public health effort by holding accountable people who attempt to inappropriately profit from the pandemic.”
“COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective, and free for everyone 12 years old and up across our state,” said Secretary-designee Timberlake. “We stand with our federal partners in our commitment to making sure everyone in Wisconsin can get vaccinated without worrying about what they may have to pay.”
If you know or suspect that any healthcare provider, healthcare facility, vaccination site, or pharmacy is improperly charging any costs for the COVID-19 vaccine, please report such conduct to the federal government at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), How to file a complaint (grievance) | Medicare, or TTY/TTD users can call 1-877-486-2048. Complaints may also be submitted to the State of Wisconsin at [email protected] or 844-684-1064.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 48 Months 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 Lucas Anderson, 26, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William Conley to 48 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Anderson pleaded guilty to this charge on February 23, 2021.
In 2015, Anderson was convicted of the felony crimes of child enticement, intentionally contributing to the delinquency of a minor, second degree reckless endangering safety, and resisting an officer causing bodily harm. He was sentenced to five years in state prison along with probation and extended supervision. Anderson was released from prison in 2018.
On April 29, 2020, Anderson was a passenger in a vehicle involved in a cocaine transaction. On May 1, 2020, Anderson delivered a small amount of cocaine to another person. As a result of that drug investigation, on August 17, 2020, police arrested Anderson and found $2,627 in his pocket and a loaded .40 caliber Glock pistol with extended magazine in the glovebox of the car he was driving. At the time Anderson was still on state supervision.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that at a young age Anderson became involved in gang activity, his criminal behavior continued into adulthood, and that he had many violations of supervision after release from prison. Judge Conley found that the goal of sentencing was to protect the community and ordered that the federal sentence would run concurrent with the remainder of a state revocation involving the same conduct. Anderson was also ordered to serve 3 years of supervised release.
The charge against Anderson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison 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.
Convicted Sex Offender Sentenced to 262 Months 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 Thomas E. Kerl, 39, Redgranite, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 262 months for distributing child pornography. This term of imprisonment is to be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Kerl pleaded guilty to this offense on February 25, 2021.
Starting in approximately 2018, Kerl began using multiple platforms to trade what Judge Conley called “extremely graphic images.” The defendant also engaged in disturbing chats about sexually assaulting children and admitted that if he had access to children, he would assault them.
Prior to this case, Kerl was convicted of repeatedly sexually assaulting two young children in Columbia County Circuit Court in 2001. Based on his prior convictions and the conduct in this case, Judge Conley found Kerl to be a danger to the community and said a long sentence was necessary to protect the public.
The charge against Kerl was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation with assistance from the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Man Sentenced to 27 Months After Pleading Guilty to EscapeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Larry Dollar, 49, Duluth, Georgia, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 27 months in federal prison for escape from federal custody, announced Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Dollar escaped from the Rock Valley Community Program in Janesville, Wisconsin in December 2020, where he was completing a sentence for an earlier conviction for escape. In October 2017, Dollar was convicted of bank robbery in the Northern District of Illinois. In January 2019, Dollar escaped from Rock Valley Community Program, where he was completing his sentence for the bank robbery. He was convicted of the escape and was sentenced by Judge Conley to 24 months in federal prison.
In December 2020, Dollar was once again at Rock Valley Community Program in Janesville, completing his sentence for the 2019 escape. On December 14, 2020, he requested Rock Valley staff take him to the hospital for medical care. After arrived at the hospital, Dollar stole a truck, drank alcohol, and fled to Illinois where he caused a traffic accident and left the scene in the stolen vehicle. He was arrested by local law enforcement officials.
Judge Conley noted that Dollar’s mental health issues, coupled with his addiction to alcohol and extensive criminal history, made him a danger to himself and others.
The charge against Dollar is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.
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.
Stoughton Man Charged with Bank Robberies
Todd Templeton, 51, Stoughton, Wisconsin, is charged with committing two bank robberies. The indictment alleges that he robbed the Associated Bank on King Street in Stoughton on February 24, 2021, and that he robbed the Associated Bank on Cottage Grove Road in Madison, Wisconsin on March 3, 2021.
If convicted, Templeton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Stoughton Police Department, Madison Police Department, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Nickolas S. Fitzpatrick, 49, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams of 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 April 3, 2021.
If convicted, Fitzpatrick faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the methamphetamine charge. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison. Federal law requires that any sentence imposed on this charge be served consecutive to any other penalty imposed. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm has a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.
The charges against Fitzpatrick 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.
Minnesota Woman Sentenced to 6 Years for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Pader Yang, 30, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced Friday, May 14 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Yang pleaded guilty to this charge on February 18, 2021.
On July 15, 2020, law enforcement officers were investigating an anonymous complaint that Kong Vang and his girlfriend, Pader Yang, were selling large quantities of methamphetamine out of their residence in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Officers began to conduct surveillance on the residence and observed people arriving, going in and out of the garage, and then immediately returning to their cars or bicycles.
Based on their observations, and the fact that Kong Vang was on state supervision for prior convictions involving methamphetamine trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, law enforcement searched Vang and Yang’s residence. During the search of a bedroom shared by Vang and Yang, officers located a safe containing four loaded handguns, eight bags of methamphetamine, and just under $12,000. Officers found a fifth loaded firearm elsewhere in the bedroom, and additional drugs, paraphernalia, and ammunition throughout the residence, the garage, and in a vehicle recently driven by Yang. In total, officers found approximately 254 grams of “ice” methamphetamine and over 250 grams of marijuana.
Law enforcement officers later searched Vang and Yang’s cell phones and located many conversations relating to sales of significant quantities of methamphetamine. Based on the evidence in the case, officers believed Yang was picking up and carrying multiple pounds of methamphetamine across state lines from Minnesota to Wisconsin.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley emphasized the severity of Yang’s conduct given the substantial quantity of drugs she was making available in the community.
Kong Vang pleaded guilty to the conspiracy and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and was sentenced to 12 years in federal prison by Judge Conley on April 29, 2021.
The charge against Yang was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Tomah Man Convicted of Producing & Possessing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A federal jury in Madison, Wisconsin, has found Shannon R. Donoho, 44, Tomah, Wisconsin, guilty of child pornography crimes. The verdict was announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin. The jury reached a verdict this afternoon after two hours of deliberation following two days of testimony.
The jury convicted Donoho of seven counts of producing child pornography, one count of attempting to produce child pornography, and one count of possessing child pornography. The jury found that Donoho produced child pornography on seven occasions between September 2015 and October 2017 and attempted to produce child pornography on June 28, 2018. The jury also found that on July 25, 2018, he possessed a hard drive containing images of child pornography, and that at least one image was of a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
Evidence presented at the trial established that in 2016, Donoho hid Go Pro cameras in the bathroom at a residence of a family friend and made several recordings of a 9-year-old girl in the shower. Donoho was visible in several of the videos interacting with the girl while she was showering and after she exited the shower in the bathroom. Additionally, in June 2018, Donoho placed a Go Pro camera in the bathroom of the trailer where he resided in Tomah and recorded another young girl urinating. Videos and images of these two girls were discovered after law enforcement executed a search warrant at the trailer. Law enforcement also discovered Donoho had a substantial collection of other images and videos of child pornography that he had downloaded from the Internet.
U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled Donoho’s sentencing for July 28, 2021. Donoho faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on the production charges, and a maximum penalty of 20 years on the possession charge.
The charges against Donoho are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Tomah Police Department. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Taylor Kraus.
Former Marathon County Teacher Pleads Guilty to Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A former teacher with D.C. Everest Area School District in Marathon County, Wisconsin has pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Madison to producing child pornography, according to Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Travis C. Greil, 39, Wausau, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to producing video files that depict minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct and is obscene. Greil admitted that he used an iPad to make videos and take photos under students’ clothing, a practice called “upskirting.” The investigation began in February 2020 when a student reported to the school liaison officer that she believed Greil had filmed up her skirt while she was standing near Greil’s desk.
Greil will be sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley on August 12 and 13, 2021. The offense to which he has pleaded guilty has a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. In the plea agreement with the United States, the parties have agreed that a sentence of at least 6 years in prison is the appropriate disposition of the case.
The charge against Greil is the result of an investigation 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. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Chadwick Elgersma are handling the prosecution.
Dane County Man Charged with Distributing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Dane County man is charged with 2 counts of distributing child pornography in an indictment returned today by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, according to Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Brett Blomme, 40, Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of distributing a visual depiction of a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment alleges that on October 30 and November 1, 2020, Blomme sent a file containing an image of child pornography to another user via Kik Messenger.
At the time of the offenses alleged in the indictment, Blomme was a judge with the Milwaukee County Children’s Court.
If convicted, Blomme faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma 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.
Spooner Man Receives 2nd Federal Methamphetamine-Related SentenceRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brian K. Dennis, 51, Spooner, Wisconsin, was sentenced Friday, May 7 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 144 months in federal prison for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Dennis pled guilty to this charge on February 8, 2021.
During sentencing, the Court and parties noted that Dennis was previously sentenced in federal court for distributing methamphetamine. Dennis served 5 years in prison based on that 2014 conviction. During today’s sentencing, Dennis stated that he relapsed into methamphetamine use which led him to return to drug trafficking. After a several months investigation Dennis was arrested in Barron County, Wisconsin with 153.7 grams of 98% pure methamphetamine.
The charge against Dennis was the result of an investigation conducted by the Barron, Rusk, Sawyer, and Washburn County Sheriffs’ Departments, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division Criminal Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Acting U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea prosecuted the case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Armed Robbery & Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nathaniel Homestead, 29, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to a total of 84 months 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. Homestead pleaded guilty to these charges on February 8, 2021.
On July 19, 2020, Homestead robbed the Ground Zero Coffee in Madison. During the robbery, he raised his shirt and revealed a handgun in his waistband. An employee then gave Homestead cash from the register, and Homestead fled the shop. Madison police officers responded and arrested Homestead a few blocks away. Officers found Homestead’s handgun in a backpack at a beach not far away. Homestead had multiple prior felony convictions and was prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Following his arrest, Homestead admitted to walking by the coffee shop and suddenly thinking he should rob it. He said he was motivated to rob the store to get money to quickly purchase drugs. Homestead said he was under the influence of methamphetamine and crack cocaine at the time of the robbery. He knew he was a felon and could not legally possess a firearm.
Homestead was on active state supervision at the time for two different state cases – one involving intentionally pointing a firearm at a law enforcement officer and another for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The charges against Homestead were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Wausau Felon Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Michael Wienandt, 26, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Wienandt pleaded guilty to this charge on February 12, 2021.
Wienandt was arrested on May 15, 2020 by members of the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force and Everest Metro Police Department at a bar in the Village of Weston in connection with an attempted burglary earlier in the day. When the officers took Wienandt into custody, he had a .40 caliber handgun in his waistband. The investigators also found a sawed-off shotgun in a room at a nearby hotel in Weston where Wienandt was staying. Wienandt has prior felony burglary convictions which make his possession of firearms unlawful.
During Wienandt’s sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern about Wienandt’s past repeated pattern of criminal behavior after completing earlier sentences. He also considered Wienandt’s “atrocious” conduct and threats toward police during his arrest an aggravating factor.
The charge against Wienandt was the result of an investigation conducted by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wausau Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 21 Months for Illegally Reentering US & Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jose David Saldana-Ramirez, 38, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States and failing to register as a sex offender. Saldana-Ramirez pleaded guilty to these charges on February 4, 2021.
On July 20, 2020, Saldana-Ramirez was stopped for a traffic violation in Columbia County, Wisconsin. Law enforcement officers later learned that he had been convicted of sexual assault of a child in 2008 in Texas, and thus, was required to register as a sex offender. He failed to do so upon his illegal reentry into the United States.
The charges against Saldana-Ramirez were the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Drug & Gun CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kong Vang, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 144 months in federal prison for conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Vang pleaded guilty to these charges on February 5, 2021.
On July 15, 2020, law enforcement officers were investigating an anonymous complaint that Vang and his girlfriend, Pader Yang, were selling large quantities of methamphetamine out of their residence in La Crosse, Wisconsin. Officers conducted surveillance on the residence and observed people arriving, going in and out of the garage, and then immediately returning to their cars or bicycles.
Based on these observations, and the fact that Vang was on state supervision for prior convictions involving methamphetamine trafficking, possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, and 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety, law enforcement officers searched Vang’s residence. During the search of a bedroom shared by Vang and Yang, officers located a safe containing four loaded handguns, eight bags of methamphetamine, and just under $12,000. Officers found a fifth loaded firearm elsewhere in the bedroom, and additional drugs, paraphernalia, and ammunition throughout the residence, the garage, and in a vehicle recently driven by Yang. In total, officers found approximately 254 grams of “ice” methamphetamine, and over 250 grams of marijuana.
In an interview with law enforcement, Vang admitted to using and selling methamphetamine. He admitted to being a convicted felon and knew that he was not allowed to possess firearms. Law enforcement officers later searched Vang and Yang’s cell phones and located many conversations relating to sale of methamphetamine and marijuana. Based on the evidence in the case, officers believed Vang was a pound to kilo level methamphetamine dealer.
Vang’s state supervision was revoked and Judge Conley ordered this federal sentence to run concurrently with the state prison sentences Vang is now serving following revocation. In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley referenced Vang’s prior criminal record which included convictions of violence, drug trafficking, and gun possession.
Pader Yang pleaded guilty to conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on February 18, 2021. She is scheduled for sentencing before Judge Conley on May 11, 2021.
The charges against Vang and Yang were the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson.
Woman Sentenced to 90 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine in MenomonieRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Diana Xiong, 39, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 90 months in federal prison for distribution of methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release.
The charges in this case stem from an investigation conducted by law enforcement in the summer of 2020. On two occasions, Xiong sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant in Menomonie, Wisconsin. She also sold the same confidential informant a firearm, although she is prohibited from possessing any firearms because she is a convicted felon.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson explained a substantial sentence was warranted because of Xiong’s consistent and disturbing pattern of drug distribution, which she continued even after serving state sentences related to distributing methamphetamine. He also noted that while Xiong was smart and capable, she had unfortunately applied those qualities to drug dealing.
Judge Peterson ordered this federal sentence to run concurrent to a state prison sentence Xiong is now serving due to revocation of state supervision. Xiong was on state supervision at the time of the offenses in this case.
The charges against Xiong were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Drug Task Force, 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.
Madison Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Keefer Goodman, 29, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on Friday, April 23, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley 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.
In the early morning of July 21, 2020, law enforcement officers were dispatched to a two-vehicle crash in Madison. EMS personnel believed the driver, Goodman, had overdosed. Officers found a loaded Ruger 9mm handgun on the front passenger seat. Goodman was revived after the administration of Narcan, and he admitted to drinking alcohol and smoking marijuana prior to the car accident and said he did heroin earlier that night. Officers searched Goodman’s car and found 269.3 grams of methamphetamine, 7.3 grams of cocaine, 35.6 grams of marijuana, a pouch of baggies, a scale, and two switchblade knives. They also found $1,820 in Goodman’s pocket. He was previously convicted of a felony and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. Goodman was on active state extended supervision for a drug conviction at the time of the accident.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley highlighted the dangerous combination of impaired driving with possessing a large quantity of drugs and a loaded gun.
The charge against Goodman was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case was handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson.
Madison Man Sentenced to 42 Months for CARES Act & Access Device FraudsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that yesterday Ahmad Kanan, 49, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced in two separate cases for Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act fraud and access device fraud. Kanan was sentenced by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 42 months in federal prison and was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $147,060.
Kanan committed the CARES Act Fraud while under indictment and awaiting trial in the access device fraud case. He pleaded guilty in both cases on October 2, 2020.
While acting on behalf of Altin Labs, Inc. as its Chief Executive Officer and majority owner, Kanan applied for two Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans funded by the CARES Act. Specifically, in April 2020, Kanan applied for a $72,500 PPP loan through the Bank of Kaukauna in Kaukauna, Wisconsin. The Bank of Kaukauna noted a discrepancy in the spelling of Kanan’s name in the application, and Altin Labs did not receive these funds. In May 2020, Kanan again applied for a PPP loan, requesting $47,060 through Cross River Bank located in New Jersey. This time, Altin Labs received the funds. In his PPP applications, Kanan used a false spelling of his name and indicated that he was not under indictment on criminal charges, when in fact he was the subject of an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin in October 2019, charging him with access device fraud.
The separate access device charges related to two family-owned gas stations that Kanan operated in Janesville, Wisconsin. Kanan admitted to using the routing and account numbers from the bank account of the Embassy of Libya-Military Attaché to pay to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue sales and use tax, penalties, and interest owed by his gas stations in the amount of $83,783.41 in July 2017, and $108,053.02 in December 2017. The Libyan Embassy did not give Kanan permission to use their bank account to make these payments.
The charges against Kanan are the result of investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, the U.S. State Department, and the Small Business Administration. The U.S. Attorney’s Office would like to thank the Libyan Embassy for its cooperation.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Corey and Meredith Duchemin handled the prosecution.
Man Sentenced to 110 Months for Distributing Methamphetamine in Sauk CountyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Timothy Savannah, 29, Waupun, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 110 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Savannah pleaded guilty to this charge on February 2, 2021.
In September 2020, an undercover police officer purchased methamphetamine from Savannah on two separate occasions in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The two distributions totaled 76 grams of methamphetamine. On September 18, 2020, police officers executed a search warrant at the apartment in Lake Delton where he was staying. During the search, officers recovered a loaded Smith & Wesson 9mm handgun, a variety of drugs including heroin and crack cocaine, and over $7,000 in cash.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Peterson noted that Savannah has an “unrelenting pattern of criminal offenses” including multiple violent felony convictions. Judge Peterson also stated that a substantial sentence was warranted in light of Savannah’s deep involvement in drug trafficking and his possession of a loaded firearm.
The charge against Savannah was a result of an investigation conducted by the Sauk County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Sauk County District Attorney’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
La Crosse Felon Sentenced to 51 Months for Possessing GunRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Martin Curlee, 39, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James Peterson to 51 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Curlee pleaded guilty to this charge on January 7, 2021.
On October 8, 2020, La Crosse police were called to respond to Curlee walking around with a loaded 9mm pistol in his hand. When contacted by officers, he threw the gun on the ground. Curlee admitted to being a felon and knew that he should not have the gun, but claimed it was for protection. Officers noted that Curlee appeared paranoid and thought that he was going to get shot in the jail.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that Curlee had a substantial criminal history and noted that his mental health issues were exacerbated by drug abuse. Judge Peterson found that Curlee posed a danger because he chose to arm himself against imagined threats, therefore protection of the community was the number one goal in the sentence. Because of that, Judge Peterson determined that a longer period of incarceration was appropriate and also imposed the maximum 3-year term of supervised release.
The charge against Curlee was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
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.
DeForest Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes & Extortion
Cash Otradovec, 30, DeForest, Wisconsin is charged with 3 counts of attempting to produce child pornography, 3 counts of producing child pornography, and 5 counts of extortion.
The indictment alleges that on three occasions in February through April 2020, Otradovec attempted to use, persuade, induce, entice and coerce three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. It further alleges that on three additional occasions in March through April 2020, he used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced three other minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.
The indictment also charges Otradovec with transmitting communications to 5 of the minor victims containing threats to injure the reputation of the victim, with the intent to extort a thing of value from the victim, in February through April 2020.
If convicted, Otradovec faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each child pornography charge. The maximum penalty for each extortion charge is 2 years in federal prison. The charges against Otradovec are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Dane County Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography
William Heitman, 34, Verona, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on June 5, 2020, Heitman possessed Micro SD cards containing depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Heitman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Verona Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.
Two Illinois Men Charged with Armed Robberies of Lake Delton Businesses
Deon Brown, 27, Zion, Illinois, and Cortez Thurmond, 28, North Chicago, Illinois, are charged with robbing two businesses in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that Brown and Thurmond robbed Alpha Red Studio and Gifts of the World on July 28, 2020, and that during each robbery the defendants brandished a dangerous weapon at the employees of the businesses.
If convicted, Brown and Thurmond face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Lake Delton Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crimes
Gavin Potter, 21, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that from December 16 to 28, 2020, he possessed a .380 handgun, and that from December 28 to 29, 2020, he possessed a 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Potter 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 Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Leonard Kersten, 55, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced on April 9 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for tax evasion. Kersten pleaded guilty to the charge on January 22, 2021. He was ordered to report to federal prison on May 24, 2021. He was also ordered to pay restitution of $347,979.96 to the Internal Revenue Service.
Kersten evaded taxes by failing to report as income $1.7 million he embezzled from his employer between 2007 and 2017. He used his position as a company accountant to embezzle funds by issuing checks to himself or his spouse. He then altered the company’s accounting records to make it appear that the checks were issued to pay legitimate company suppliers.
Under federal law, even embezzled funds are considered income for tax purposes. Kersten admitted at his guilty plea hearing that he knew the tax returns he filed were false because he knew the funds he embezzled were supposed to be included as income. By willingly failing to report the additional embezzled income on his tax returns, Kersten and his spouse paid approximately $350,000 less in taxes than they should have. This created a tax due and owing under federal tax law.
The charges against Kersten were the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The United States also recognizes the assistance of the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin.
Waunakee Felon Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Samuel Schiltz, 20, Waunakee, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Schiltz pleaded guilty to this charge on January 26, 2021.
Schiltz sold a Glock 9mm handgun to an undercover agent on May 11, 2020. Four days later, Schiltz sold the agent a Glock .40 caliber handgun. Both handguns had 30-round magazines and auto sears had been installed, which illegally converted the handguns to be fully automatic machine guns. One of the handguns had an obliterated serial number, which Schiltz pointed out to the agent. Schiltz said that he sold illicit drugs such as cocaine and prescription opiates, showed the agent a video of him handling an AR-15, offered to sell the agent two other handguns, and offered to help install illegal auto sears on other handguns to convert them to be fully automatic machine guns. Schiltz was on probation for a felony drug offense at the time that he sold the two guns to the undercover agent.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that while Schiltz was a young offender, this was a very dangerous firearm offense. Judge Peterson found the sale of these machine pistols to endanger the entire community and said that the sale of an illegal fully automatic weapon on the streets of Madison was “horrifying.” Schiltz was also ordered to complete three years of supervised release after serving the prison term.
The charge against Schiltz was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal 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 Child Pornography Crimes
Benjamin T. Mann, 39, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is charged with five counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that in March and April 2020, Mann used Kik to distribute images of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment also alleges that on March 3, 2021, Mann possessed a phone containing 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, Mann faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution count, and a maximum of 10 years on the possession count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Custom Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Wood County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Crack Cocaine & Cocaine
Aubrey L. Marshall, 45, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that one of the distributions involved 28 grams or more of crack cocaine. He is also charged with one count of possessing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine for distribution, and one count of possessing cocaine for distribution. The indictment alleges that he distributed crack cocaine on January 18 and 25, 2021 and that he possessed crack cocaine and cocaine for distribution on January 25, 2021.
If convicted, Marshall faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each of the charges alleging 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and a maximum of 20 years on the other two counts.
The charges against Marshall are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Chippewa Falls Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Justin Barnard, 36, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on November 23, 2020.
If convicted, Barnard 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, Menomonie Police Department, and Dunn County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Lone Rock Man Sentenced for Social Security FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christopher M. Hynek, 47, of Lone Rock, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 1 year and 1 day in prison for Social Security fraud and ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $98,256. Hynek pleaded guilty this charge on September 1, 2020.
According to a 2018 grand jury indictment, Hynek made a claim to his private disability insurer in 2002 for injuries he had suffered to his arms in 2000. He then filed a claim for Social Security Disability Insurance benefits in 2003, alleging the same injuries.
While receiving benefits, Hynek was working at his parents’ printing business, Hynek Printing in Richland Center, Wisconsin, and subsequent printing businesses that Hynek Printing later acquired as it expanded. The fact that Hynek continued to work made him ineligible for Social Security disability benefits, but Hynek concealed and failed to disclose his work activity and money from the business that he was paid “under the table,” as the judge found.
In explaining the need for a prison sentence, Judge Conley noted the seriousness of the offense and observed that Hynek perpetrated a “prolonged fraudulent scheme out of greed.”
“This sentencing should stand as a warning to those who would conceal information from SSA to receive benefits—we will hold you accountable,” said Inspector General Ennis. “The Office of the Inspector General will continue to ensure the integrity of SSA’s programs, which provide a critical safety net for those who cannot work.”
The charge against Hynek was the result of an investigation conducted by the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and Zachary Corey.
Final Member of Wausau Methamphetamine Conspiracy SentencedRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ger Moua, 32, Wausau, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 66 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon.
Moua was a close associate of the leader of the drug trafficking operation, Lisa Xiong, early in the conspiracy. She helped Lisa Xiong by directly distributing methamphetamine and overseeing the money and drug exchanges of lower-level associates in the trafficking operation. Moua’s relevant conduct includes approximately 130 grams of methamphetamine.
During one drug deal in March 2019, Moua brought a firearm for protection and then used the gun as collateral while she awaited a larger methamphetamine supply. Judge Peterson noted the devastation left in the wake of the methamphetamine crisis but emphasized the increased danger to the community when a firearm is possessed during a drug deal.
Moua’s criminal history includes one prior state offense, and she was on supervision for that offense when she participated in this drug-trafficking operation. According to Judge Peterson, her history combined with her methamphetamine distribution and possession of a firearm warranted a lengthy sentence, to provide just punishment and protect the community.
Eleven individuals were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2019 for their roles in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Charges against one of the original defendants were redacted from the indictment following the death of that individual. Ger Moua is the final defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced. The others are:
1. Meng Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 5 years on June 12, 2020;
2. Chou Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 78 months on December 8, 2020;
3. Soua Khang, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 7 years on December 9, 2020;
4. Lisa Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 156 months on December 21, 2020;
5. John Gates, Hewitt, Wisconsin. was sentenced to 5 years on December 23, 2020;
6. Ya Yang, Wausau, was sentenced to 30 months on January 11, 2021;
7. Vang Yang, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced to 30 months on January 21, 2021;
8. Chai Thao, Wausau, was sentenced to 5 years on March 1, 2021; and
9. Chong Chueneng Moua, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced to 84 months on March 2, 2021.
The charges against these defendants was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Wausau Police Department; Everest Metro Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
Superior Residents Sentenced to Federal Prison for Methamphetamine ConspiracyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Steven Ranta, 42, Superior, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 96 months in federal prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine as part of a conspiracy. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Ranta pleaded guilty to the conspiracy charge on February 4, 2021. Ranta’s co-defendant, Christina Nord, 35, Superior, pleaded guilty and was sentenced on December 29, 2020 for her role in the same conspiracy to 3 years in federal prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.
The charges against Ranta and Nord are the result of an investigation conducted by the Superior Police Department in November and December 2019. As a part of this investigation, officers arranged a series of controlled buys for methamphetamine. A confidential informant successfully purchased methamphetamine from either Ranta, Nord, or both together, on a total of 9 occasions. In a search of Ranta’s apartment on December 31, 2019, investigators located an additional 136 grams of methamphetamine and indicia of drug distribution.
In sentencing both Nord and Ranta, Judge Peterson noted the seriousness of their offenses. With respect to Ranta’s sentence, Judge Peterson explained that a lengthy sentence was warranted given the sheer volume of Ranta’s criminal history, which included a prior federal conviction for methamphetamine distribution; crimes of violence; and sexual deviance. Judge Peterson also expressed that Ranta’s criminal conduct appeared to be related to his lack of self-control, and that this created a real danger to the community. In contrast, in sentencing Nord, Judge Peterson imposed a shorter sentence given her minimal criminal history.
The charges against Ranta and Nord were the result of an investigation conducted by the Superior Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus.
Madison Physician Agrees to Pay $110,000 to Resolve Allegations of Controlled Substance Prescribing ViolationsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Acting United States Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced that David E. Eckerle, M.D., a Madison, Wisconsin physician, entered into a settlement agreement to pay $110,000 to resolve civil allegations that he violated the Controlled Substances Act (CSA) related to the manner in which he was prescribing opioids and other controlled substances.
According to the settlement agreement, the government alleged that between May 2016 and January 2020, Dr. Eckerle wrote prescriptions for opioids and other controlled substances that had no legitimate medical purpose and were not issued in the usual course of professional practice.
In enacting the CSA, Congress recognized the importance of preventing the diversion of drugs from legitimate to illegitimate uses. The CSA, in relevant part, deters the illegal distribution, possession, dispensing, and improper use of controlled substances, all of which have contributed significantly to the opioid epidemic over the past two decades. The CSA therefore regulates entities and practitioners that dispense controlled substances by establishing controls over all stages of the chain of distribution of controlled substances in the United States.
“The opioid epidemic has caused great harm and deep sadness to individuals, families, and communities here in Wisconsin. In cases unrelated to this matter, this office has seen opiate addictions that begin with a doctor over-prescribing opiate pain pills and that end with the former patient overdosing on heroin or going to prison for drug-related crimes. Wisconsin physicians who increase risks of opiate addiction by irresponsibly prescribing opioids will be held accountable,” said Acting United States Attorney O’Shea. “This office will investigate inappropriate opioid prescribing and use all available tools to combat the opioid epidemic and protect our local communities.”
“The harm caused by improperly prescribed narcotics is a serious threat to the health of our citizens,” Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Wisconsin Assistant Special Agent in Charge John McGarry said. “This investigation is indicative of DEA’s commitment to improve public safety by ensuring physicians issue prescriptions for legitimate medical purposes within the boundaries of federal law.”
Assistant U.S. Attorney Theresa Anzivino represented the government in this matter, and the DEA Madison District Office conducted the investigation. The settlement agreement states CSA allegations only; Dr. Eckerle denies the allegations and there has been no determination of liability.
Wisconsin residents with unused prescriptions—especially opiates—in their homes can use this link to learn where drugs can be safely disposed. https://doseofrealitywi.gov/drug-takeback/find-a-take-back-location/ .
La Crosse Woman Sentenced to 5 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 Sandy Xiong, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced on Monday, March 1 by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for possessing more than 50 grams of methamphetamine for distribution. Xiong pleaded guilty to this charge on December 4, 2020.
Xiong was arrested on February 10, 2020, in a La Crosse grocery store parking lot as she prepared to deliver approximately four ounces of methamphetamine to an individual who met her at that location. When searched by police after being removed from her car, Xiong was found in possession of four separate baggies of methamphetamine totaling 116 grams. A search of her home in La Crosse later that night yielded another 212 grams of methamphetamine, packaging materials, and a scale.
The charge against Xiong was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Prairie du Chien Police Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Methamphetamine Source for Wausau Conspiracy Sentenced to 84 MonthsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Chong Chueneng Moua, 52, St. Paul, Minnesota, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 84 months in federal prison for his role in supplying methamphetamine to a distribution conspiracy operating in Wausau, Wisconsin.
Lisa Xiong, the leader of the conspiracy, drove to Minnesota to pick up methamphetamine from Moua on several occasions. She then distributed that methamphetamine to lower level associates in and around Wausau. Lisa Xiong and Moua were arrested in possession of a pound of methamphetamine in June 2019. Moua joined the conspiracy towards the end of its operation and was only involved for a short time, but during his tenure, he provided over 2 pounds of methamphetamine for distribution into the Wausau area.
While Moua has never spent more than a few weeks in jail prior to his involvement in the present case, Judge Peterson recognized Moua as a more significant participant in the drug trafficking operation because he was a source of large quantities of methamphetamine flowing into Wisconsin.
Eleven individuals were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in September 2019 for their roles in this methamphetamine distribution conspiracy. Chueneng Chong Moua is the ninth defendant to plead guilty and be sentenced. The others are:
1. Meng Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 5 years on June 12, 2020;
2. Chou Xiong, Wausau, was sentenced to 78 months on December 8, 2020;
3. Soua Khang, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 7 years on December 9, 2020;
4. Lisa Xiong, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 156 months on December 21, 2020;
5. John Gates, Hewitt, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 5 years on December 23, 2020;
6. Ya Yang, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 30 months on January 11, 2021;
7. Vang Yang, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced to 30 months on January 21, 2021; and
8. Chai Thao, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 5 years on March 1, 2021.
The charges against these defendants was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force; Marathon County Sheriff’s Office; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office; Wausau Police Department; Everest Metro Police Department; and Wisconsin State Patrol. The prosecution of the cases has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.
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 Tax Crimes
James Canfield, 71, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is charged with 14 counts of preparing and filing false federal income tax returns for third parties.
The indictment alleges that Canfield, who operated Advanced Accounting Concepts, Inc., a tax return preparation business in Plover, Wisconsin, prepared and filed tax returns that sought refunds and reductions in taxes due to which the taxpayers were not entitled. The indictment alleges that Canfield claimed false deductions and included with the returns a Schedule E, Supplemental Income and Loss from Business, reporting false income and losses.
If convicted, Canfield faces a maximum penalty of 3 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Oxford Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Stephen J. Robeson, 57, Oxford, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on September 26, 2020, he possessed a .50 caliber rifle.
If convicted, Robeson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Marquette County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Tang Vue, 35, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on January 29 and February 3, 2021, and that the January 29 distribution involved 50 grams or more of the drug.
If convicted, Vue faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the count alleging the distribution of 50 grams or more, and 20 years on the second distribution count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crime Involving Methamphetamine
Cody B. Stough, 33, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that he distributed the methamphetamine on November 19, 2020.
If convicted, Stough 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 Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
Jury Convicts Madison Man of Sex Trafficking MinorsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that James Coney, 32, Madison, Wisconsin, was found guilty today of 10 counts related to sex trafficking of minors. The jury reached its verdict after five hours of deliberation following four days of testimony in U.S. District Court in Madison.
Coney was found guilty of 4 counts of sex trafficking a minor, 1 count of sex trafficking a minor by force, 1 count of attempted sex trafficking a minor, and 4 counts of transporting a minor from Wisconsin to Illinois for the purpose of prostitution.
The jury found that from May 2017 to March 2018, Coney trafficked five minors, attempted to traffic a sixth minor, and transported three minors from Wisconsin to Illinois where they engaged in prostitution. Coney transported one of the minors on two separate days. The evidence presented at trial showed that Coney used Backpage ads to arrange “dates” for the minor victims, collected the money, and instructed the minors on what to do. All six of the minor victims testified at the trial. Numerous witnesses testified that Coney was physically and verbally abusive to the minor victim who was with Coney the longest, from May 2017 to March 2018.
The investigation of Coney began when one of the minor victims was reported missing by her mother to the Fitchburg Police Department. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children publicized the minor’s disappearance, and she ultimately was recovered in Chicago where she had been with Coney.
Coney faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.
The charges against Coney are the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, with the assistance of the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Chicago, Lake Delton, Janesville, and Madison Police Departments; and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Taylor Kraus are handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Illegally Possessing FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment that charges Brandon Rankin, 26, Madison, Wisconsin, with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment was returned on February 10 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison.
The indictment alleges that Rankin possessed a 9mm handgun on February 2, 2021.
Rankin was arrested yesterday in Madison by the U.S. Marshals Service and Madison Police Department, pursuant to a federal arrest warrant. He is being held at the Dane County Jail. A time has not been set for his initial appearance in U.S. District Court.
If convicted, Rankin 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.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 2 Years for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Corvalis Stewart, 33, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. Chief District Judge James D. Peterson to 2 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of firearm. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Stewart pleaded guilty to this charge on November 12, 2020.
On August 20, 2020, Dane County Sheriff’s deputies conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle being driven by Stewart in Madison. During the stop, marijuana was located in the vehicle. While the passenger was being detained, Stewart threw a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber pistol out of the driver’s side window of the vehicle. A witness who saw Stewart throw the gun from the car notified law enforcement and deputies located the gun, which had a loaded magazine and a round in the chamber.
Stewart was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on multiple prior felony convictions. At the time of his arrest, Stewart was on state supervision for a previous conviction of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Stewart’s criminal history dates back to 2005 and includes two prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm, including a case where he shot a man in the leg. He also has a prior conviction for 2nd degree recklessly endangering safety for pointing a gun at two individuals and threatening to “blast them.”
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 charge against Stewart was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Rita M. Rumbelow and Steven P. Anderson.
Owner of Video Gaming Machine Company Sentenced for Evading over $3 Million in TaxesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced today that Mary Lavine, 65, Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty to conspiring to defraud the Internal Revenue Service and to filing a false 2018 corporate income tax return for her business Bullseye, Inc.
After accepting Lavine’s guilty plea, Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson sentenced Lavine to 1 year and 1 day in prison, imposed a $75,000 fine, and ordered her to pay restitution of $834,769.65 to the IRS, and $1,927,852.56 to the Wisconsin Department of Revenue. He also ordered Lavine to serve a two-year term of supervised release following her prison term.
Lavine ran Bullseye with another person who is now deceased. Bullseye operated as a coin-operated music and amusement game vending business located in Madison. Lavine admitted that Bullseye also contracted with bar owners to place video gaming machines (“VGMs”) at their bars. Bullseye split the profits generated by the VGMs with the bar owners. Different bar owners had different VGM profit sharing agreements with Bullseye. Lavine admitted that she worked with certain bar owners to skim the cash receipts generated from the VGMs and not report 100% of the cash receipts to the IRS or Wisconsin Department of Revenue. This underreporting caused Bullseye to evade its own corporate income taxes, as well as the Wisconsin sales taxes and income taxes for Bullseye and its bar owners.
The government presented evidence that during the four-year time span from 2015 to 2018, Bullseye evaded $3,028,930 in federal and state taxes.
At today’s hearing, Lavine apologized for her criminal conduct and told Judge Peterson that she went along the tax evasion scheme of Bullseye’s other owner for so long because he promised to make her the majority owner of the business, but then he reneged on that promise.
Judge Peterson told Lavine that her quest to be the majority owner of Bullseye was her “drug that caused her to compromise her basic values and commit tax evasion to achieve her end goal.” The judge noted that Lavine sacrificed a lot in that pursuit, and could have left Bullseye, but did not, and now she had to take responsibility for that choice.
Judge Peterson also noted that the size of the tax evasion scheme, the large tax loss, and the long period of criminal activity, all justified a term of incarceration. According to the judge, if nothing else, “this sentence will send the message to the business community that no special rules apply to cash businesses. It’s easy to cheat and skim cash, but it is still taxable.” Judge Peterson added, “business owners need to be aware that this type of conduct will not be tolerated and will lead to incarceration.”
To date, five individuals have pleaded guilty as part of this criminal tax investigation and Lavine is the fourth to be sentenced. Dudley Hellenbrand and Cherie Hellenbrand were each sentenced to 6 months in prison, and Tom Laugen was sentenced to 1 year and 1 day in prison. Colin Albany is scheduled to be sentenced on May 6. Moreover, Judge Peterson has ordered these individuals to pay a total of $3,807,566 in restitution to the IRS and Wisconsin Department of Revenue.
The case against Lavine is the result of an ongoing investigation being conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Revenue, Office of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Daniel Graber and Chadwick Elgersma.
Edgerton Man Sentenced to 5 Years for Illegal Gun Possession During Civil UnrestRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony R. Krohn, 37, Edgerton, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
On June 1, 2020, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Krohn was walking with some friends toward the Capitol Square in downtown Madison, an area which was experiencing significant civil unrest. As Krohn walked past deputies who were posted outside near the jail, the gun that he was carrying discharged into his leg. Dane County Sheriff’s Office deputies and Madison Police Department officers provided assistance to Krohn until he was transported to the hospital for treatment. Krohn admitted to a deputy that he shot himself in the leg. The .22 handgun and a spent casing were recovered.
At the time, Krohn was on supervision for a sixth offense operating while intoxicated after serving two years in prison. His criminal history stretches back to 2001 and includes convictions for several batteries, another felony OWI where he led police on a high-speed chase, and possession of cocaine with the intent to deliver.
At sentencing, Krohn agreed with the government about the dangers involved with bringing a gun into this situation. Judge Peterson also recognized the serious nature of Krohn’s offense commenting that it was the court’s role to look out for the community in this case.
The charge against Krohn was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, Dane 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.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Producing Child PornographyRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gerardo Junior Torres, 24, of Chicago, Illinois, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 20 years in prison for producing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 30 years of supervised release. Torres pleaded guilty to this charge on November 5, 2020.
On April 4, 2020, a citizen in Taylor County Wisconsin reported that a 15-year-old family member had been sexually assaulted by Torres. Numerous electronic items belonging to Torres were turned over to law enforcement at that time. Officers obtained and executed a search warrant for the defendant’s electronic devices where they found numerous images and videos of the defendant sexually assaulting both the citizen’s family member and another 7-year-old child.
Judge Conley stated that the lengthy sentence was warranted due to the defendant’s manipulation of the two victims and the severity of the repeated assaults on them. Additionally, Judge Conley expressed concern that the defendant did not grasp the seriousness of his behavior or the damage he caused the victims. Judge Conley expressed hope that now knowing the pain he caused would be motivation for the defendant to never engage in his “dark and ugly” acts again.
The charge against Torres was the result of an investigation conducted by the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, Ladysmith Police Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
U.S. Attorney Scott C. Blader Announces ResignationRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin has announced he will be resigning as U.S. Attorney effective 11:59 pm, February 26, 2021.
Blader, a graduate of Marquette University Law School, has served as the U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin since 2017. During his tenure, Blader prioritized outreach efforts to all law enforcement agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin resulting in an 63% increase in all cases filed between 2017-2019. Blader also implemented an effective and sustainable strategy to combat violent crime and the distribution of lethal drugs such as heroin, fentanyl and methamphetamine resulting in an 104% increase in violent crimes prosecuted and 62% increase in drug cases prosecuted between 2017-2019. He also advanced a host of Department of Justice initiatives targeting child exploitation and human trafficking. As United States Attorney, he served as a member of the Attorney General’s Advisory Committees for Native American Affairs, Management and Personnel issues and Opioid and Heroin Interdiction.
“Serving as the United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin has been the most rewarding experience of my professional career. I thank Attorneys General Barr and Sessions for the trust they placed in me and their leadership and support. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have worked with the extraordinary men and women in the U.S. Attorney’s Office who deserve the true credit for our successes,“ said U.S. Attorney Blader. “I am also honored to have been given the opportunity to serve with our brave and dedicated federal, state and local law enforcement partners who work daily to protect our citizens and make the Western District of Wisconsin a better place.”
As the FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge, I consider U.S. Attorney Blader a great partner and leader in the Wisconsin law enforcement community,” said SAC Robert E. Hughes. “His talents and leadership have assisted in creating a strong cohesive team at the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which has resulted in a strong coalition of all federal law enforcement agencies in upholding the Constitution and protecting the citizens of Wisconsin.”
“Scott Blader has admirably served as United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, relentlessly working to protect citizens from the effects of drug trafficking and drug-related violence. Scott’s office vigorously prosecuted violent drug trafficking crimes and illegal gang activity, while ensuring equity in all matters. Scott and his leadership will be missed,” said Robert J. Bell, Special Agent in Charge of the Drug Enforcement Administration, Chicago Division.
“I have never seen a stronger partnership between law enforcement in our state and the U.S. Attorney’s Office than we have seen in the last four years,” said Administrator Brian R. O’Keefe of the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. “U.S. Attorney Blader has made tremendous efforts to build and nurture the relationships our law enforcement community now enjoy with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, making Wisconsin a better place to live, work, and play.”
“ATF’s mission to protect our communities from violent criminals was no doubt shared by U.S. Attorney Scott Blader and his cadre of hardworking prosecutors,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Terry Henderson, of the St. Paul Field Division. “I wish him the very best and look forward to continuing the great relationship ATF has with the U.S. Attorney’s Office of the Western District of Wisconsin.”
“U.S. Attorney Scott Blader championed the partnership between the U.S. Attorney’s Office and local law enforcement in Wisconsin,” said Kim Gaffney, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Wisconsin. “His leadership and guidance brought together local, state and federal partners all ‘pulling the rope in the same direction,’ protecting our citizens and holding accountable those who violate our laws.”
The Western District encompasses 44 counties and covers approximately 60% of the State of Wisconsin, including the cities of Madison, Wausau, Superior, Eau Claire and La Crosse. The U.S. Attorney’s Office, located in Madison, is responsible for conducting all criminal and civil litigation in the district involving the United States government.
Fennimore Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jerry Koch, 59, Fennimore, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Koch pleaded guilty to this charge on December 10, 2020.
On August 1, 2020, investigators with the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force arranged for the controlled purchase of methamphetamine from Koch. After the completion of the controlled purchase, the investigators arrested Koch and found him in possession of 58 grams of methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, and approximately $8,000 cash. During a post-arrest interview, Koch admitted that he sold methamphetamine to support his personal addiction.
The charge against Koch was the result of an investigation conducted by the Richland-Iowa-Grant Drug Task Force and the Grant County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma.