Western District of Wisconsin
Press releases recorded for this federal judicial district.
Madison Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Sex Trafficking a MinorRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Adrian Edwards 40, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 11 years in federal prison for sex trafficking a minor. Edwards pleaded guilty to this charge on June 15, 2023.
Edwards encountered the 16-year-old victim in Utah in January 2021, when the two were at a mutual friend’s house. The victim confided to the defendant that she had a difficult home life and he offered to help her with a place to stay if she needed it. A few days later, the victim called Edwards to take him up on his offer. He bought her a train ticket to Iowa, where he picked her up and brought her to Wisconsin. He immediately took pictures of her and posted ads on websites offering various sexual services in exchange for money. Edwards set the prices, arranged the meetings, arranged for hotels, and kept the bulk of the money gained from the trafficking activity.
On February 2, 2021, Middleton Police Department received a complaint from a local hotel indicating that someone was overstaying their reservation and the hotel suspected sex trafficking. Police responded and found the victim alone in a hotel room, along with Edwards’ belongings and identification. Edwards was indicted in July 2021, and a federal arrest warrant was issued. He was ultimately arrested in January 2022 in Arizona.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson observed that this was a horrifying case where the defendant took a child away from her family, isolated her, and immediately trafficked her for his own gain. The Court stated that although consent was irrelevant here, the victim did not know she was coming to Wisconsin to engage in prostitution. Judge Peterson further noted that Edwards’ crime was calculated and sustained, and it was fortunate that law enforcement intervened and put a stop to it.
The charge against Edwards was the result of an investigation conducted by the Middleton Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Service in finding and arresting Edwards in Arizona. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Laura A. Przybylinski Finn and Kathryn E. Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two La Crosse Men Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Cocaine & Fentanyl
Louis A. Ray, 46, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with three counts of distributing cocaine and he and Timothy A. Cannon, 35, also of La Crosse, are charged with four counts of distributing fentanyl. The indictment alleges that two of the counts of distributing fentanyl involved 40 grams or more. Cannon is also charged with one count of possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that these offenses occurred between April 19 and July 6, 2023.
If convicted, Ray and Cannon face a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the two charges alleging the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. They face a maximum of 20 years on each of the other charges.
The charges against Ray and Cannon 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 Anita Marie Boor is handling the prosecution.
Mexican National Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.
Maurillo Mendoza-Vasques, also known as Mauricio Mendoza-Vasquez, 46, a citizen of Mexico found in Arcadia, Wisconsin, is charged with illegally reentering the United States after being removed. The indictment alleges he was found in the U.S. on July 25, 2023.
If convicted, Mendoza-Vasques faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Former Defense Contractor in Tomah Receives 15-Month Prison Sentence & $10,000 Fine for Wire FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jonathan Walker, 46, Tomah, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 15 months in federal prison for wire fraud. The prison term will be followed by one year of supervised release. Judge Peterson also ordered Walker to pay restitution in the amount of $72,000 and to pay a fine of $10,000. Judge Peterson ordered Walker to report to prison on January 4, 2024.
Walker pleaded guilty on July 11, 2023, to devising and participating in a scheme to defraud the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). Walker owned and operated Walker Investment Properties (WIP) in Tomah, which was a contracting business that did heating and air conditioning services. Walker fraudulently obtained two DoD contracts to do work at Fort McCoy, falsely claiming that WIP was a service-disabled veteran owned small business (SDVOSB). WIP obtained two SDVOSB contracts worth a total of $1,927,536. WIP received a total of $482,577 from these two contracts.
Walker did not qualify as a SDVOSB, because he had never served in the military, much less been disabled as a result of his military service. The government’s proof showed that Walker was a 100% owner of WIP and ran the company.
As part of the government contracting system, a government contractor is required to sign a Federal Acquisition Regulation report under penalty of perjury certifying that the government contractor is providing true and correct information to the General Services Administration and will abide by all of the federal regulations pertaining to DoD contracting. Walker did this eight times from 2015 to 2019, falsely certifying he was a SDVOSB when he was not.
At today’s sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that a substantial sentence was warranted to send a message of general deterrence to other defense contractors, noting that the integrity of the set-aside program depends on the honesty of the contractors, and cheaters will be dealt with severely.
“The United States Attorney’s Office is committed to honoring and protecting those who served in America’s armed forces,” stated United States Attorney O’Shea. “In part, we demonstrate that commitment by working with our law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who fraudulently pose as veterans for financial advantage.”
”The Defense Criminal Investigative Service (DCIS) is committed to working with our investigative partners to bring to justice those who abuse Government set-aside programs designed to encourage and support service-disabled veterans and woman and minority-owned small businesses,” stated Darrin K. Jones, Special Agent in Charge of the U.S. Department of Defense Office of Inspector General, DCIS, Southeast Field Office. ”Schemes like this undermine the integrity of these noble programs and cannot be allowed to continue.”
Special Agent in Charge Jeffrey Ryan of the General Services Administration Office of Inspector General added, “The GSA OIG will work with law enforcement partners to aggressively pursue cases involving anyone who falsifies information to fraudulently win government contracts. Legitimate service-disabled veteran businesses deserve a level playing field when competing for contract opportunities.”
The charges against Walker were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Department of Defense - Office of Inspector General, Defense Criminal Investigation Service, General Services Administration - Office of Inspector General, and the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber handled the prosecution.
La Valle Resident Sentenced to 5 Years of Probation for Amazon Fraudulent Return SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christian Wink, 27, La Valle, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years of probation for wire fraud and filing a false tax return. Wink pleaded guilty to these charges on June 22, 2023.
The government’s investigation revealed that between 2017 and 2020, Wink ordered expensive items through Amazon, such as ethernet switches and Wi-Fi routers, and then initiated the return process. Wink would return materially different items that were cheaper or broken, such as cell phone charging cables. Wink then received a refund for the amount of the original purchases. Wink then kept both the ordered items and the refund. During the course of this scheme, Wink engaged in more than 3,485 fraudulent transactions causing losses to Amazon of approximately $372,359.07. Wink admitted that he failed to report the income he generated from the fraudulent return scheme on his personal 2020 tax return.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that the scope and scale of Wink’s criminal conduct normally would warrant a prison sentence. However, Judge Peterson noted that it was a mitigating circumstance that Wink has a long history of suffering from mental illness, including the time period he committed the fraud against Amazon. Judge Peterson also noted that Wink turned his life around once he committed to mental health treatment in 2021. Judge Peterson concluded that a sentence of five years of probation would allow Wink to continue effectively managing his mental health needs.
The charges against Wink were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Amazon provided support for the investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Rockford Man Sentenced to 90 Months for Methamphetamine TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Vincent Phillips, 52, Rockford, Illinois was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 90 months for possessing with intent to distribute and distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Phillips pleaded guilty to these charges on July 21, 2023. This period of imprisonment will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
Phillips was first arrested for charges related to this case on February 18, 2023, in Columbia County, Wisconsin with over 240 grams of methamphetamine packaged for distribution found in his vehicle. Officers also found drug paraphernalia, including a scale, razor, and baggies in the car. Phillips was charged in State court for this conduct and released from jail on a cash bond later that month.
In April, a confidential informant disclosed to law enforcement that Phillips was selling methamphetamine and heroin in the Baraboo area. Law enforcement conducted three controlled buys from Phillips using this confidential informant. Phillips sold about 50 grams of methamphetamine during each buy. After the last buy, which Phillips conducted inside his vehicle, law enforcement arrested him.
When he was arrested in April, officers found over 200 grams of methamphetamine and 38 grams of cocaine in his vehicle. In addition, Phillips was in possession of $2,297 in U.S. currency, $800 of which had been provided by law enforcement to the confidential informant to purchase drugs from Phillips.
At sentencing, the Judge considered Phillips’s lengthy criminal history. The Judge addressed that Phillips has been in and out of prison for most of his adult life, and that he is considered a career offender. The Judge remarked that previous intervention had done little to deter Phillips’s criminal conduct. The Judge ultimately ordered a sentence that he felt reflected the seriousness of Philips’s criminal history and his conduct in these offenses.
This is Phillips’s second federal conviction. In 2002, Phillips was convicted in the Northern District of Illinois for an armed bank robbery and was sentenced to prison.
The charges against Phillips were the result of an investigation conducted by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
Jamaican Citizen Sentenced to 21 Months for Illegally Reentering U.S.Read the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Andre Bowyer, 32, a citizen of Jamaica, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 21 months in federal prison for illegally reentering the United States. Bowyer pleaded guilty to this charge on August 16, 2023.
On June 9, 2023, Bowyer was arrested in Grant County, Wisconsin, during a mail fraud investigation where he was using a fake name. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement became aware of Bowyer’s presence following a fingerprint match during the booking process. Bowyer admitted to paying a smuggler to bring him across the Mexican border into the United States in April or May of 2022.
In 2017, Bowyer was convicted of conspiracy to commit mail fraud in the Eastern District of Louisiana. That case involved a scheme to defraud elderly and vulnerable victims of their money through a fake lottery scheme in which members of the conspiracy contacted victims by telephone through Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP). Following his prison sentence in that case, Bowyer was removed from the United States to Jamaica in March 2022. As a condition of his removal and his supervised release from his mail fraud case, Bowyer was ordered not to reenter the United States. Bowyer was still on supervised release in the fraud case at the time of his 2023 arrest and faces revocation in that case.
In sentencing Bowyer on the illegal reentry charge, Judge Conley noted that Bowyer came back to the United States in 2022 shortly after his removal. He also expressed concern that it appeared Bowyer had returned to engaging in fraud given the circumstances of his arrest in Grant County, where he was arrested using a false name and attempted to pick up a mail parcel containing $18,000 in cash.
The charge against Bowyer was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 9 Months for Failing to Register as a Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesse A. McCarty, 55, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 9 months in federal prison for failing to register as a sex offender, in violation of the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act (SORNA). McCarty pleaded guilty to this charge on July 18, 2023.
SORNA provides a comprehensive set of minimum standards for sex offender registration and notification in the United States. It aims to close potential gaps and loopholes that existed under prior law and generally strengthens the nationwide network of sex offender registration and notification programs. In particular, SORNA requires registered sex offenders to register and keep their registration current in each jurisdiction in which they reside, work, or go to school.
In November 2007, McCarty was convicted of sex offenses in Tennessee state court. In June 2018, he was convicted for failing to register as a sex offender in Tennessee. After serving a period of incarceration for that conviction, McCarty absconded from Tennessee probation. He later moved to Wisconsin, but also failed to register as a sex offender here, in violation of SORNA.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that this was McCarty’s second conviction for failing to register and stated that there was no excuse to justify his non-compliance. Judge Conley emphasized the importance of the sex offender registry and found that McCarty had been living “off the grid” without giving those around him the required notice.
The charge against McCarty was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor prosecuted this case.
Trempealeau County Man Charged with Sexual Exploitation of Children & ExtortionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – In an indictment returned on October 11, 2023 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, a Trempealeau County man is charged with child sexual exploitation offenses and extortion. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Seth W. Fagan, 32, Galesville, Wisconsin, with using and coercing a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct, with transmitting threats to injure the reputation of the minor with the intent to extort a thing of value from the minor, and with receiving a visual depiction of a second minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct.
Fagan was arrested today in La Crosse. The time for his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been set.
If convicted, Fagan faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on the charge of producing child pornography, two years on the extortion charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of receiving child pornography.
The charges against Fagan are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Onalaska Police Department, and school resource officers at Sparta High School and Onalaska High School. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the prosecution.
Anyone who believes they have information about this case or believes they may be a victim in this matter should contact Special Agent Maloree Zassenhaus at either [email protected] or by contacting the Division of Criminal Investigation at 715-839-3830.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Connecticut Man Charged with Fraud Scheme Involving Elderly VictimsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – In an indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, a Connecticut man is charged with conspiring to commit wire fraud. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul, and FBI Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle.
The indictment charges Matthew Ramos-Soto, 26, Hartford, Connecticut, with conspiring with others to defraud Wisconsin residents. The indictment alleges that from October 24 to 28, 2022, unknown conspirators contacted elderly individuals by telephone and falsely represented that a relative had been arrested following an accident and that money for bail was needed. The indictment further alleges that Ramos-Soto and his co-conspirators traveled throughout Wisconsin to pick up cash in person from the targeted individuals.
“Elder fraud is a serious issue, and we’re committed to combating it,” said Attorney General Josh Kaul. “Thank you to those in Wisconsin DOJ’s Division of Criminal Investigation and the other public safety professionals whose work led to this charge.”
“Unfortunately, scams targeting the elderly or vulnerable are proliferating. If someone demands money over the phone or internet, always reach out to a trusted advisor, law enforcement agency, or the fraud hotlines described below,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “My office is committed to working with local, state, and federal law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute those who target vulnerable individuals for financial gain.”
“I commend our long list of local and state law enforcement partners in bringing this perpetrator to justice,” said Special Agent in Charge Hensle. “Elder fraud is a serious crime. Many of our senior citizens are targeted by unscrupulous individuals seeking to exploit their vulnerabilities, taking advantage of their trust, and causing significant financial and emotional harm. The FBI will continue to work with our partners and ensure that justice is served.”
The indictment alleges that co-conspirators impersonated attorneys or judges, provided victims with false file or case numbers, and warned them that there was “a gag order” in their relative’s court case and their relative could face additional consequences if the victim told anyone about the situation. Victims were instructed to go to their financial institutions to withdraw the needed money in cash and to provide a false reason for the withdrawal to their financial institution.
The indictment alleges that the Ramos-Soto and his co-conspirators obtained approximately $200,000 during the five days of the conspiracy in October 2022. The indictment alleges three specific incidents in Wisconsin, including $5,000 from an individual in Wrightstown, $17,545 from an individual in Fitchburg, and $12,500 from an individual in Hobart.
Ramos-Soto is in custody in Michigan. A date for his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison has not been set. If convicted, Ramos-Soto faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.
U.S. Attorney O’Shea, Attorney General Kaul, and Special Agent in Charge Hensle urge Wisconsin residents to be alert to financial fraud schemes that target the elderly and to talk to family and friends about recognizing common scams. If you suspect fraud has occurred or been attempted, report it to authorities so that those who commit fraud can be identified. The U.S. Justice Department operates the National Elder Fraud Hotline which can be reached at 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311), which is staffed by case managers who provide personalized support to callers. Wisconsin residents can also contact their county elder abuse helpline or the Wisconsin Elder Abuse Hotline at 1-833-586-0107.
The charge against Ramos-Soto is the result of an investigation led by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, following a Statewide Crime Alert by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office that connected several investigations across Wisconsin. The other agencies involved in the investigation are the Outagamie, Shawano, Manitowoc, and Brown County Sheriffs’ Offices; and the New Lisbon, Wrightstown, Fitchburg, Reedsburg, Randolph, Fox Valley Metro, Hobart Lawrence, Green Bay, Oshkosh, and Fond du Lac Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin 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.
Beloit Man Charged with Child Sexual Exploitation CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – In an indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, a Beloit, Wisconsin man is charged with two counts of using minors to produce child pornography. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Misael Dominguez-Adorno, 24, with using two minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct. The indictment alleges that he created the videos in October 2020 and March 2022.
Dominguez-Adorno was arrested in Beloit today. He will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today.
If convicted, Dominguez-Adorno faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Beloit Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Wisconsin Contractor & Wife Plead Guilty to Home Improvement Project Fraud SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tyler Hansen, 52, Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Madison to wire fraud and money laundering charges in connection to a contractor fraud scheme he committed throughout Wisconsin. Jennifer Hansen, 43, who is Tyler Hansen’s wife, also pleaded guilty today to money laundering in connection with her participation in the fraud scheme.
Between October 2020 and September 2022, Tyler Hansen operated a home improvement business based in Dane County and Jefferson County that operated under multiple names, including Weathersealed Wisconsin and EcoView Windows of South-Central Wisconsin. At today’s hearing, Tyler Hansen pleaded guilty to engaging in a wire fraud scheme in which he entered into contracts for home improvement projects with customers throughout Wisconsin knowing he did not intend to order supplies for the jobs or otherwise start the projects. The contracts were for various home improvement projects, including windows, sunrooms, bathroom remodels, roofs, and doors. At the time the project contracts were signed, Tyler Hansen and his associates regularly required that the customers pay 50% of the total contract price as a down payment. As part of the plea agreement, Tyler Hansen admitted that he lied to his customers and told them that he used the money from the down payments to purchase building materials for their projects. Instead, Tyler Hansen used the money from the down payments to pay for personal expenses.
Tyler Hansen, along with his wife Jennifer Hansen, also pleaded guilty to participating in a money laundering conspiracy in which they attempted to conceal and disguise the down payment funds by using multiple business and personal bank accounts. The Hansens admitted that they routinely deposited down payment checks from customers into multiple bank accounts at Fort Community Credit Union associated with their business. Once the down payment checks were deposited, the Hansens often transferred the funds to multiple personal accounts at Fort Community Credit Union in order to conceal and disguise the true nature of the funds and to make it more difficult for clients to receive refunds of their down payments.
The maximum penalty for the wire fraud charge is 20 years in prison. The maximum penalty for the money laundering charge is also 20 years in prison. The Court scheduled Tyler Hansen’s sentencing hearing for December 19, 2023 at 1:00 p.m., and Jennifer Hansen’s sentencing hearing for December 13, 2023 at 1:00 p.m.
The charges against the Hansens were a result of an investigation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office, the Walworth County Sheriff’s Office, and with the assistance of law enforcement officers and District Attorneys’ Offices in the following counties in Wisconsin: Richland, Vernon, Grant, Dane, Fond du Lac, Green Lake, Jefferson, Vilas, Walworth, Waukesha, Iowa, Kenosha, Adams, Columbia, Green, Monroe, Rock, Sauk, Winnebago, Sheboygan, Dodge, and Brown. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Trenton McCorkle, 27, Wausau, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. McCorkle pleaded guilty to this charge on May 23, 2023.
On December 14, 2021, officers attempted to stop McCorkle for reckless driving after a trooper with the Wisconsin State Patrol observed him weaving and speeding through heavy traffic during poor winter weather conditions. McCorkle lost control of his car and crashed into a traffic pole, which fell over. McCorkle then unsuccessfully tried to flee from the crash site. Prior to the crash, a witness observed McCorkle’s passenger throw a black bag from the car. Officers located the bag, which contained approximately half a pound of methamphetamine, a .45 caliber handgun, three loaded magazines, and several rounds of ammunition. McCorkle later admitted to officers that he had been dealing a significant amount of methamphetamine in the Wausau area over the previous year.
McCorkle is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm as a result of several felony convictions, including a 2019 conviction for possession of methamphetamine. McCorkle was on state supervision for that conviction at the time of the conduct in this case. He also had been charged in three separate state court cases, including one related to methamphetamine distribution.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that McCorkle’s conduct posed a real danger to the public. Judge Peterson also stated that McCorkle’s continued methamphetamine dealing not only impacted the people to whom he dealt, but also contributed to the continued criminality of those above him in the world of drug trafficking.
The charge against McCorkle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin State Patrol, Rothschild Police Department, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.
Madison Man Sentenced to 26 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Shawndale James, 26, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 26 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. James pleaded guilty to this charge on June 12, 2023.
On December 21, 2021, Madison police officers stopped a vehicle in which James was a passenger. Officers observed a loaded .40 caliber handgun sticking out from under the seat where James was sitting. James denied that he knew about or touched the gun. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory later examined swabs taken from the gun and concluded that James’ DNA matched the DNA found on the gun.
James had prior felony convictions for driving a stolen vehicle and conspiracy to deliver heroin. At the time of his arrest, he was out on bail in a state case charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that James had a substantial criminal history and had to make a choice between spending time with his family or peers who are negative influences on the street. Judge Peterson noted that if James does not make a change now, he is facing a lot more time in prison. Judge Peterson also ordered three years of supervised release to follow the prison term.
The charge against James was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Chicago Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Significant Drug Trafficking in MadisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dery McDuffy, 34, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 13 years in federal prison for possessing more than a kilogram of heroin with the intent to distribute it and illegally possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This prison term will be followed by a 6-year term of supervised release. McDuffy pleaded guilty to these charges on June 7, 2023.
In September and October 2022, McDuffy sold large amounts of heroin and methamphetamine in transactions recorded by local law enforcement and the Drug Enforcement Administration. On October 12, after he delivered a pound of methamphetamine and five ounces of heroin, officers trailed McDuffy to a storage unit he had rented on Madison’s westside. Officers arrested McDuffy and searched the unit, finding approximately 2 kilograms of heroin, 725 grams of cocaine, and five guns along with ammunition. McDuffy had previously been convicted of felony drug offenses in the State of Illinois, so was prohibited from possessing firearms.
During sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that a primary priority in sentencing McDuffy was the protection of the public from the dangerous drugs he was selling, which degrade the community and exploit the illness of drug users. Labeling McDuffy a moderately-high level dealer who possessed firearms and an unrelenting criminal history, Peterson concluded that McDuffy was a danger to the community, necessitating a significant but fair sentence.
The charges against McDuffy were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
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.
Fifth Defendant in Multi-Agency Drug Trafficking Investigation Sentenced to 120 Months for Attempting to Possess Fentanyl for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Reginald Jemison, 56, Chicago, Illinois was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 120 months in prison for attempting to possess fentanyl with intent to distribute. Jemison pleaded guilty to this charge on June 8, 2023.
In 2020, federal and state law enforcement agencies collaborated to investigate several known drug traffickers in Dane County, Wisconsin. As part of this investigation, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) learned that an individual in Chicago, later identified as Jemison, coordinated with Andre McClinton to ship a parcel of narcotics to an apartment building in Madison, Wisconsin via the U.S. Mail.
On December 7, 2020, a U.S. Postal Inspector identified the parcel, obtained a federal warrant, and searched the package. Inside, investigators found a vacuum-sealed bag that contained a white substance. The substance weighed approximately 590 grams, and the Wisconsin State Crime Lab determined it tested positive for the presence of fentanyl. DCI agents took custody of the drugs and resealed the parcel for a controlled delivery.
Later on December 7, 2020, investigators delivered the parcel to the address in Madison. Approximately one minute after delivering the parcel, a silver sedan with Illinois license plates pulled up to the building. A male subject exited the front passenger seat, walked towards the building, and took the parcel. Law enforcement arrested the subject, later identified as Jeffrey Kemp, as he put the parcel into the sedan. Officers also arrested the driver of the vehicle, who agents identified as Antonio Dillard.
During post-arrest interviews, Kemp and Dillard admitted that Jemison paid them to pick up the parcel and transport the drugs back to Chicago for distribution.
In sentencing Jemison, Judge Peterson underscored the seriousness of Jemison’s crime. Judge Peterson specifically noted that Jemison attempted to possess a significant amount of dangerous drug that has caused thousands of overdose deaths in the United States.
On May 6, 2022, Judge Peterson sentenced Jeffrey Kemp to 48 months in prison, and on April 1, 2022, Judge Peterson sentenced Antonio Dillard to 24 months in prison for their roles in attempting to possess the fentanyl with intent to distribute. Additionally, Judge Peterson sentenced Andre McClinton on March 23, 2022 to 108 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine and illegally possessing a firearm. On December 9, 2021, Judge Peterson sentenced McClinton’s codefendant Michael C. Henderson to 84 months in prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine.
The charge against Jemison was the result of an investigation conducted by DCI, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Chippewa Falls Man Charged with Gun & Drug Crimes
In a five-count indictment, Brandon Herman, 42, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with gun offenses and drug crimes involving methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2023, Herman was a felon in possession of firearms, that he possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, that he possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute, that he maintained a drug house, and that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he maintained a place in the Township of Lafayette in Chippewa County for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and that he possessed four handguns and a rifle.
If convicted, Herman faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution, a maximum of 20 years on the fentanyl charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of maintaining a drug house. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life; federal law requires that any sentence imposed on this charge be served consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed.
The charges against Herman are the result of an investigation by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Drug Task Force, St. Paul (Minnesota) Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the prosecution.
Two Madison Men Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Fentanyl
Steven P. Dixon, 30, and Tysean J. Pollard, 22, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing fentanyl on June 6, 2023. The indictment alleges that the amount attributable to Dixon as the result of his conduct is 40 grams or more.
The indictment also charges that on June 21, 2023, Dixon distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and that on July 28, 2023, he possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The indictment also charges that Dixon was a felon in possession of ammunition.
If convicted, Pollard faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Dixon faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on each of the two charges alleging 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life on the charge alleging 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 15 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charges against Dixon and Pollard are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug Offenses
Kendal J. Harris, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged in a six-count indictment with drug offenses involving fentanyl. The indictment charges that between July 11 and August 17, 2023, Harris distributed fentanyl on five occasions, with one count alleging the distribution of 40 grams or more. The indictment also charges that on August 24, 2023, Harrison possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.
If convicted, Harris faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the two counts alleging 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The other four counts each have a maximum penalty of 20 years. The charges against Harris are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Gun Crime
Shane L. Tucker, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on July 20, 2023, Tucker possessed a .22 caliber handgun.
If convicted, Tucker faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Pepin County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm & Ammunition
Jesse Turnmire, 34, Durand, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on July 7, 2023, Turnmire possessed a .22 caliber revolver and ammunition.
If convicted, Turnmire faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is 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 Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Woman Sentenced to 20 Months for Conspiring to Distribute Methamphetamine & FentanylRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Paige Roberts, 25, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 20 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Roberts pleaded guilty to this charge on May 11, 2023.
The La Crosse Police Department began their investigation of Roberts and her co- defendant, Raphiel Kuntu, in January 2022, after a housekeeper at a hotel located a significant amount of controlled substances in a hotel room rented by Roberts. Roberts took ownership of the substances only after Kuntu left the scene, and after she flushed other controlled substances down a toilet. During the course of this investigation, police utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl from Kuntu on two occasions. In April 2022, officers executed a search warrant at a residence Roberts shared with Kuntu. In their shared bedroom, officers recovered approximately 21 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.5 pounds of fentanyl, along with other controlled substances and a loaded firearm.
A search of Roberts’s and Kuntu’s cellphones revealed Roberts was aware of and assisted Kuntu with his drug dealing. Kuntu previously pleaded guilty to conspiring to distribute and possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. Kuntu was sentenced by Judge Peterson on August 9, 2023 to 12 years in prison.
At sentencing Judge Peterson stated that a 20-month sentenced held Roberts accountable for her role in the drug dealing conspiracy, which he said Roberts “embraced.” Judge Peterson also considered Roberts’s good performance on pre-trial supervision in fashioning a sentence.
The charges against Roberts and Kuntu are the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.
Beloit Man Sentenced to 22 ½ Years for Sexual Exploitation of a ChildRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Everett Wescott, 32, of Beloit, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 22 ½ years in federal prison for sexual exploitation of a child. This prison term will be followed by a 25-year term of supervised release. Wescott pleaded guilty to this charge on June 6, 2023.
Law enforcement began their investigation into Wescott after a 15-year-old victim disclosed to police that Wescott began sexually assaulting her when she was 12 years old. The victim detailed that Wescott transported her across state lines in order to have sex with her, and that he recorded himself having sexual intercourse with her using an iPhone. In an interview with FBI, Wescott admitted to the sexual relationship and to recording the sexual encounters.
At sentencing, Judge Conley stated that Wescott’s conduct “could hardly be more sinister” and warranted a lengthy sentence. Judge Conley also noted that the minor was especially vulnerable, which was something Wescott knew and then used to groom the victim.
The charge against Wescott was the result of an investigation conducted by the Beloit Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
Middleton Man Sentenced to 32 Months for Illegal Gun PossesisonRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Johnluke Spears, 32, Middleton, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 32 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Spears pleaded guilty to this charge on April 12, 2023.
On November 27, 2021, there was a shooting in the parking lot of Monkeyshines Bar in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. One person was shot, and surveillance video showed the injured person and his friend involved in a confrontation with another group. The injured person exchanged gunfire with at least one person in the other group.
During the subsequent investigation, officers determined that Spears had been standing next to one of the shooters. In December 2021, detectives executed a search warrant at Spears’ residence and found a loaded Glock 22 .40 caliber handgun, which is consistent with casings found at the shooting scene. Spears’ DNA was found on that handgun. Spears is a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson concluded that Spears is a “hard core gang guy” and, while he did not fire the shots at Monkeyshines, he hung around with friends who were involved in gun violence. Judge Peterson noted that the Glock .40 caliber handgun found in Spears’ apartment had a switch (which converted it to a machine gun) and drum magazine capable of holding 40 to 50 rounds making it very dangerous. Finally, Judge Peterson commented that Spears was on supervision for a prior weapons offense out of Illinois. Spears’ supervision on the Illinois case was revoked and Judge Peterson ordered the 32-month federal sentence to run concurrently with the 10 months remaining on Spears’ sentence in that Illinois case. The federal sentence imposed today will be followed by three years of supervised release.
The charge against Spears was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Milwaukee Man Sentenced to 144 Months for Drug TraffickingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Travis Lee Young, 47, Milwaukee, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 144 months for possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing methamphetamine and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Young pleaded guilty to these charges on June 6, 2023. This period of imprisonment will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.
On August 3, 2022, officers arrested Young at a hotel in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Young had been connected to a purchase of methamphetamine two weeks prior at the same hotel. Inside of Young’s hotel room, officers found over 600 grams of methamphetamine, over 940 M-30 fentanyl pills, and 17 grams of cocaine. These controlled substances were packaged for distribution. Officers also found a loaded semiautomatic firearm underneath the mattress of the bed. Young’s DNA was found on the firearm.
A witness involved in this investigation told officers that they had purchased methamphetamine from Young before. The same witness had driven Young to and from Milwaukee on drug-related trips around Wisconsin. A search of Young’s cellphone revealed that Young had been having multiple conversations about his drug trafficking.
Young was convicted in 2017 of the felony offenses of possession of a firearm by a felon and a burglary in Milwaukee County. Young was still serving the extended supervision portion of those sentences at the time of his arrest. Young had been convicted of eight felonies before the date of this arrest.
After his arrest, Young attempted to persuade witnesses to change their stories by sending letters from the jail, instructing them to recant and blame a different individual for the drugs and firearm.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson remarked that these crimes were really serious as involved a significant quantity of drugs. The judge voiced his concern that a firearm was involved, remarking that the gun was there to protect Young’s drug trafficking. The judge opined that Young had been a bad influence on the community. He stated that Young’s drug dealing harmed the public, as he was “making money off the illness of others.” The judge considered Young’s criminal history to be “serious” and “aggravated”, specifically focusing on Young’s previous involvement in violent crimes.
The charges against Young were the result of an investigation conducted by the Vilas County Sheriff’s Office, Eagle River Police Department, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn E. Ginsberg.
Florida Man Sentenced to 30 Months for Illegally Transporting an AlienRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gerardo Hernandez Anselmo, 34, of Kissimmee, Florida, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in prison for illegally transporting an alien. Hernandez Anselmo pleaded guilty to this charge on June 9, 2023.
On June 10, 2022, an officer in the Colby-Abbotsford Police Department received information from a relative that R.E. had not returned home from work the day before. The complainant reported that he went to R.E.’s place of employment to find him, and while there, learned there was a video of the parking lot that showed R.E. getting into the backseat of a car that had parked next to R.E.’s car.
Citizens familiar with R.E. told law enforcement that they suspected R.E. had been driven to Florida to work off a debt he owed to Gerardo Hernandez Anselmo and his wife because they helped R.E. enter the country illegally.
Law enforcement in Florida went to an address in Kissimmee, Florida where they found the defendant and Felipe Engracia-Gonzalez. They also recovered R.E. and interviewed him. R.E. identified the defendant and Engracia-Gonzalez as the people who drove him from Abbotsford, Wisconsin to Kissimmee, Florida against his will.
On September 7, 2023, Judge Conley sentenced Engracia-Gonzalez, who had been in custody since June 2022, to a sentence of time served. Engracia-Gonzalez was illegally in the United States and was deported upon his release from federal custody.
The charge against Hernandez Anselmo was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Colby-Abbotsford Police Department, and the Kissimmee (Florida) Police Department, with assistance from the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Elizabeth Altman and Chadwick Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Former Licensed Registered Nurse Sentenced to 15 Months for Product TamperingRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dawn Drum, 54, Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 15 months in prison, 1 year of supervised release, and fined $30,000 due and payable immediately. On May 8, 2023, Drum pleaded guilty to one count of product tampering while employed as a Registered Nurse at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital in Janesville in November 2021.
Drum tampered with vials of fentanyl by withdrawing the drug from the vials and replacing it with saline and then resealing the vial stopper with what appeared to be superglue. Drum then put the tampered vials back into the Pyxis machine, an automated medication dispensing system, so that the tampered fentanyl vials would be available for use with other patients at the hospital. An audit of the Pyxis transactions in Drum’s name revealed that she had an excessive pattern of fentanyl overrides and wastes when compared to other employees in 2021. When confronted by hospital management in November 2021 with this discrepancy, and asked to take a drug test, Drum refused and instead resigned from her position at the hospital.
At today’s sentencing hearing, Drum expressed remorse for her actions and noted that her illegal conduct was driven by her addiction to opioids. She indicated that the harm she caused to her patients by her actions will haunt her for the rest of her life.
In imposing sentence, Judge Conley told Drum that he understood that she acted out of character because of her addiction. However, he also noted that her decision to steal fentanyl, and then tamper with the vials and return them to the medication dispenser for use with patients, was the reason he was sentencing her to prison. Judge Conley explained to Drum that her actions harmed others and she needed to face the consequences for those actions.
Special Agent in Charge Ronne G. Malham, with the FDA Office of Criminal Investigations, Chicago Field Office, emphasized the dangers caused by this type of crime, “Health care professionals who tamper with medications from patients not only harm patients but also put at risk the trust that U.S. consumers have in those who provide their medical care. We will continue to investigate and bring to justice health care professionals who tamper with patients’ medications.”
The charges against Drum were the result of an investigation conducted by the Food and Drug Administration’s Office of Criminal Investigations, and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Diversion Control Division. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel J. Graber handled the prosecution of the case.
Mexican Citizen Sentenced to 27 Months for Illegally Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesus Dalather Corona, 33, a citizen of Mexico found in Jefferson County, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 27 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Corona pleaded guilty to this charge on June 5, 2023.
On December 19, 2022, a staff member at an employment facility in Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin was helping an employee find his jacket and grabbed a jacket from a shelf above a common area coat rack and felt a handgun. A temporary employee, later identified as Corona, immediately walked over to the staff member and said, “That’s my stuff. Don’t touch it.” Corona took the coat, folded it up, placed it back on the shelf, and walked away.
The staff member notified a security guard because the employment facility prohibited people from bringing firearms into the building. The security guard searched the jacket and found a loaded Taurus 9 mm pistol inside one of the jacket’s pockets.
The security guard called the Fort Atkinson Police Department. Law enforcement officers responded and took custody of the firearm, as well as 14 rounds of 9 mm ball ammunition. In addition, officers watched surveillance video that showed Corona wore the jacket when he entered the building, put the coat on the shelf, and confront the staff member when she grabbed Corona’s jacket.
Officers then asked to speak with Corona, who ultimately admitted that he had a felony conviction and purchased the firearm from a friend. Following the defendant’s admission, officers arrested Corona for illegally possessing the firearm.
In sentencing Corona, Judge Conley noted that Corona posed a danger to the community when he reentered the United States after being previously deported and armed himself with a firearm.
The charge against Corona was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fort Atkinson Police Department and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Reedsburg Attorney Sentenced to 45 Months for Embezzlement SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kristin Lein, 61, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 45 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for wire fraud, money laundering, and filing a false tax return. Lein pleaded guilty to these charges on June 14, 2023.
The government’s investigation revealed that Lein, a licensed attorney in Wisconsin, engaged in a fraud scheme in which she stole $1,643,818 from a client’s trust accounts. In June 2019, Lein began transferring money from several accounts belonging to the client’s trust to her own personal bank account. During a telephone call on February 2, 2022, Lein and the beneficiary of the trust discussed financial matters. During the telephone call, Lein told the beneficiary that the trust balance was over $1,800,000. However, Lein knew that the actual amount of money held in the trust was significantly less due to her embezzlement of funds. Lein continued to embezzle money from the trust accounts until the funds were depleted in September 2022.
The investigation revealed that Lein used the embezzled funds to pay personal expenses, including improvements to her residence in Reedsburg and to purchase multiple vehicles, including a 2019 F-250 pickup truck, a 2017 Toyota Tacoma pickup truck, and a 2020 Mahinda tractor. Lein also admitted that she failed to report the income she obtained from the embezzlement on her 2019 personal tax return.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley stated that it was hard to overstate the level of betrayal the defendant’s client endured as a result of the embezzlement scheme. Judge Conley noted that Lein violated her ethical obligations as an attorney in “stunning ways.” Judge Conley stated that the evidence showed that the defendant had lost her moral compass and the result was an “unspeakable loss” for the client.
The charges against Lein were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.
Black River Falls Man Sentenced to 15 Months for Failing to Register as Sex OffenderRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jonathan Julian, 37, Black River Falls, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 15 month in prison, followed by a 10-year term of supervised release, for failing to register as a sex offender. Julian pleaded guilty to this charge on June 2, 2023.
Julian was originally convicted in 2008 in the Western District of New York for possession of child pornography. As a result of this federal conviction, Julian was required to register as a sex offender. Julian completed sex offender registration forms in New York in 2015 and 2016. Julian then changed his address from Seneca, New York to Buffalo, New York. After that, Julian stopped registering as a sex offender.
In January 2023, the U.S. Marshals Service received an anonymous tip that Julian moved from New York to Wisconsin. Through their investigation, deputies from the U.S. Marshals Service determined that from October 2018 through March 2023, Julian lived and worked in the area of Black River Falls, Wisconsin. Julian did not report his Wisconsin employment or residence as required, which led to the federal charge that resulted in today’s sentencing.
In sentencing Julian, Judge Conley expressed concern that Julian made no attempt to comply with his requirement to register as a sex offender when he moved to Wisconsin.
The charge against Julian was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Marshals Service and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Beloit Woman Sentenced to 30 Months for Sale of CocaineRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dominique Holsten, 35, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison for distributing cocaine. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Holsten pleaded guilty to this charge on May 15, 2023.
In the fall of 2021, Holsten’s husband, Depronce Burnett, distributed cocaine and methamphetamine, primarily out of the couple’s home in Beloit. Even after his arrest by Beloit Police on September 30, 2021, Burnett directed the further sale of cocaine and methamphetamine by calls from the jail to his wife, Dominique Holsten, with sales continuing until police executed search warrants at their Beloit home on October 27, 2021. There, officers found hidden stashes of illegal narcotics including more than 900 grams of cocaine, over 500 grams of methamphetamine, and $87,000 in U.S. currency.
In deciding upon a sentence for Holsten, Judge Conley noted that Holsten had no previous history of any involvement in narcotics trafficking. Conley attributed her involvement in sales she performed to the control and direction of her husband. Burnett had a significant number of prior convictions for trafficking in narcotics over many years.
Burnett was sentenced by Judge Conley on August 8, 2023, to an 11-year prison term for possessing for distribution the large amounts of drugs discovered in the search of the home, plus numerous documented drug sales.
The charges against Holsten and Burnett were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Beloit and Janesville Police Departments, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two Vernon County Residents Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Methamphetamine & Fentanyl
Stanley J. Holte, 33, and Julia A. Lloyd, 40, both of Coon Valley, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that the amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy is 500 grams or more. The indictment further alleges that the conspiracy operated from February through June 2023.
Holte and Lloyd also are charged with maintaining a drug house for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, specifically a place in Coon Valley. The indictment also charges that on June 12, 2023, Holte and Lloyd possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $58,104 in U.S. currency alleged to be proceeds of the drug conspiracy.
If convicted, Holte and Lloyd face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the two charges alleging 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge of maintaining a drug house has a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charges against Holte and Lloyd are the result of an investigation by the Vernon and La Crosse County Sheriffs’ Offices, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Campbell, La Crosse, and Onalaska Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution & Gun Crimes
Benjamin W. Thoreson, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on August 2, 2023, Thoreson possessed methamphetamine for distribution and two loaded handguns.
f convicted, Thoreson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the methamphetamine charge and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition has a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The charges against Thoreson 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 Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Briante C. Banks, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on May 2, 2023, he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Banks faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crime
Nathaniel R. Larson, 25, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on July 11, 2023, Larson possessed a loaded 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Larson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department, West Central Drug Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
The Thoreson, Banks, and Larson indictments have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Madison Man Sentenced to 7 Years for Robbing Two Madison BusinessesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Scott C. Tolliver, 43, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for two counts of robbery. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Tolliver pleaded guilty to these charges on May 23, 2023.
On April 15, 2022, at around 5:25 pm, Tolliver robbed the McDonald’s Restaurant on Regent Street in Madison. During the robbery, Tolliver approached the cash register wearing all black, sunglasses, and a medical-style facemask, pointed a black handgun at the employee, and demanded all of the money in the register. After receiving cash from the employee, Tolliver fled the restaurant on a bicycle.
Later that same night, at around 8:53 pm, Tolliver robbed the Walgreens on East Campus Mall in Madison. During that robbery, Tolliver approached the cash register wearing a black ski mask and dark clothing, showed the employee a black handgun in his waistband, and told her to give him all of the money and to not run. After receiving the cash from the register, Tolliver fled the store on the same bicycle.
Madison Police Department officers were able to identify Tolliver as the robber of both businesses after reviewing surveillance video from McDonald’s, Walgreens, and city street cameras. Officers were able to track Tolliver leaving both businesses and riding his bicycle back to his apartment in Madison. When officers searched Tolliver’s apartment, they located the bicycle and clothing consistent with those worn by the robber.
At the time of the robberies, Tolliver was on active state supervision for a prior felony conviction. He was also out on bond for a pending felony state case.
At sentencing, Judge Conley highlighted Tolliver’s lengthy criminal history including prior convictions involving weapons, domestic violence, child abuse, batteries in prison, and stalking. He said that Tolliver has repeatedly proven to be a danger to the community with instances of violence. Judge Conley noted that the victims in this case suffered emotional distress during the robberies and the long-term impact on them is not fully knowable at this time.
The charges against Tolliver were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Drywall Contractor Sentenced to 18 Months for Tax EvasionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gustavo Reyes, 52, Verona, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 18 months in prison for tax evasion. Reyes pleaded guilty to this charge on May 24, 2023.
Between 2013 and 2020, Reyes owned and operated a drywall business in Dane County. In 2015, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) commenced a civil audit of Reyes’s income tax returns for 2013 and 2014 and determined that he had significantly underreported his income for those years. Between 2015 and 2019, the IRS sent multiple notices to Reyes regarding tax deficiency assessments for the 2013 and 2014 tax years but he did not respond.
On December 22, 2014, the IRS filed a tax lien for tax year 2013 against Reyes in an attempt to collect tax due and owing. On February 9, 2017, the IRS filed a tax lien for tax year 2014 against Reyes. The IRS continued its collection efforts in 2018 by sending a letter to Reyes and filing levies against several of his business bank accounts. Despite the IRS’s collection efforts, Reyes failed to pay any of his tax debt.
Beginning with tax year 2018 and continuing to 2020, Reyes worked with others to create five nominee entities in Dane County through which he operated his drywall business, including Royal LLC, American Drywall, and Morales Construction. By operating his drywall business through the nominee entities, Reyes attempted to defeat IRS collection efforts for tax years 2013, 2014, 2016, 2017, and 2018. In addition, Reyes avoided IRS liens and levies by operating in large amounts of cash that he received from cashing checks at different establishments around the Madison area. In total, Reyes owes $557,907.19 in unpaid taxes.
At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley stated that the IRS had made “remarkable efforts” to handle Reyes’s failure to pay taxes as a civil matter, but Reyes inexplicably chose to ignore the IRS’s communications. Judge Conley also stated that Reyes made a bad situation with the IRS worse when he “doubled down” and used other people to create fictitious companies in an attempt to avoid the IRS’s liens and levies.
The charge against Reyes was a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Wood County Man Sentenced to 138 Months for Drug & Gun OffensesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John W. Andereggen, 56, Vesper, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 138 months in prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. Andereggen pleaded guilty to these charges on May 11, 2023.
In September 2022, law enforcement officers conducted a controlled buy of methamphetamine from Andereggen at a camper that Andereggen kept in the rural woods of Wood County. Officers obtained a search warrant for the camper and discovered over 600 grams of methamphetamine and 100 grams of cocaine in and around the camper. They also discovered four firearms and ammunition. At the time of the search, Andereggen was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing firearms. Andereggen was interviewed and admitted to selling large amounts of methamphetamine and cocaine in the months leading up to the search.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted the highly aggravating circumstances of the offenses, including the heavy drug amounts and the presence of dangerous weapons, including a sawed-off shotgun. The large amounts of drugs in this case had a significant negative impact on a small community. He also noted Andereggen’s long criminal history, which spanned 33 criminal offenses from age 21 to age 56. Ultimately, Judge Peterson ruled that a long sentence was needed to address the severe nature of the drug and gun offenses and to protect the public from Andereggen’s criminal nature.
The charges against Andereggen were the result of an investigation conducted by the Wood County Sheriff’s Department; the Marathon County Sheriff’s Department; Marshfield, Wisconsin Rapids, Nekoosa, Stevens Point, and Plover Police Departments; the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force; and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor prosecuted this case.
This case was prosecuted in part as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Former U.S. Postal Service Employee Convicted of Mail Theft & Sentenced to Four Years of ProbationRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua P. Copas, 38, Cumberland, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today to one count of theft of mail while a U.S. Postal Service employee and was sentenced to four years of probation by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson on that count.
In early June 2022, a woman living in Cumberland contacted her local police department to report a stolen Menards rebate check. When she did not receive the check in the mail as expected, she called Menards and learned that the check had been spent without her knowledge. Footage of the transaction showed the check was used by Copas, who was working as a U.S. Postal Service mail carrier at the time. Further investigation linked Copas to thefts of 30 other Menards rebate checks, all but two of which were to be delivered on his mail route from late March to late May 2022. The collective dollar amount associated with the 31 stolen rebate checks was $4,547.84.
During the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson noted that the harm caused by Copas’ crime is two-fold. He first acknowledged the financial harm caused to the victims in this case, particularly those who lost hundreds of dollars in rebates. He then emphasized the general harm caused to the Postal Service itself. Copas was given a position of trust with the Postal Service and violated that trust. His theft degraded the confidence that the public places in the Postal Service to steadfastly deliver the mail. Given the severity of the crime, Judge Peterson imposed four years of probation and ordered Copas to pay the full $4,547.84 in restitution to the victims.
The charge against Copas was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General, Cumberland Police Department, and Rice Lake Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor prosecuted this case.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 12 Years for Distributing Methamphetamine & FentanylRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Raphiel Kuntu, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 400 grams or more of fentanyl. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Kuntu pleaded guilty to this charge on April 25, 2023.
The La Crosse Police Department began their investigation of Kuntu and his co-defendant, Paige Roberts, in January 2022. During the course of this investigation, police utilized a confidential informant to purchase methamphetamine and fentanyl from Kuntu on two occasions. In April 2022, officers executed a search warrant at a residence Kuntu shared with Roberts. In their shared bedroom, officers recovered approximately 21 pounds of methamphetamine and 2.5 pounds of fentanyl, along with other controlled substances and a loaded firearm. Kuntu is legally prohibited from possessing a firearm as a result of several prior felony convictions, including Wisconsin convictions for armed robbery and distribution of heroin.
A search of Kuntu’s and Roberts’s cellphones revealed Roberts was aware of and assisted Kuntu with his drug dealing. She pleaded guilty on May 11, 2023 to conspiring to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. A sentencing hearing is scheduled before Judge Peterson on September 19, 2023.
At sentencing Judge Peterson stated that a significant sentence was warranted due to the quantity of the drugs Kuntu possessed for distribution and noted that Kuntu’s drug distribution was degrading to the community at large.
The charges against Kuntu and Roberts are the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus handled the prosecution.
Grand Jury Returns IndictmentsRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Two Dane County Residents Charged with Straw Purchase of Firearms
Irene M. Johll, 23, Oregon, Wisconsin, is charged with three counts of making a false statement during a purchase of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on November 30, 2022, February 7, 2023, and February 24, 2023, while purchasing a firearm from a federally licensed firearms dealer, Johll falsely indicated she was the actual buyer of the firearm when she knew she was purchasing the firearm for Lorenzo Lacey III, 26, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin. This is known as a straw purchase. The indictment charges Lacey with three counts of causing Johll to make those false statements.
If convicted, Johll and Lacey face a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Ramogi O. Carr, Jr., is charged with possessing fentanyl with intent to distribute and with possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed the fentanyl and firearm on May 2, 2023.
If convicted, Carr faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the fentanyl charge. The charge of possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
The charges against Carr are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Safe Streets Task Force, the Madison Police Department, and the Fitchburg Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
These two indictments have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Beloit Man Sentenced to 11 Years for Possessing Cocaine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Depronce Burnett, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for possessing with intent to distribute 500 grams or more of cocaine. This prison term will be followed by a 4-year term of supervised release. Burnett pleaded guilty to this charge on May 11, 2023.
In the fall of 2021, Burnett distributed cocaine and methamphetamine in Rock County, Wisconsin, primarily out of his home in Beloit. Even after his arrest by the Beloit Police Department on September 30, 2021, Burnett directed the further sale of cocaine and methamphetamine from the jail by calling his wife, Dominique Holsten. The sales continued until police executed search warrants at their Beloit home on October 27, 2021. During the search, officers found hidden stashes of illegal narcotics, including more than 900 grams of cocaine and over 500 grams of methamphetamine, in addition to $87,000 in U.S. currency.
Burnett had an extensive history of trafficking in narcotics, for which he had served short sentences in state prison. In sentencing Burnett, Judge Conley noted that Burnett had no real employment history in nearly 20 years except for selling drugs. Conley said that although Burnett had numerous opportunities to go in a different direction, Burnett escalated his dealing to a level that did damage to the entire community. Conley said that a significant sentence was necessary because Burnett was a risk to the public, as none of his prior sentences had an impact on his choice to deal narcotics.
Burnett’s wife, Dominique Holsten, is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on August 15 for her role in facilitating the distribution of drugs after Burnett’s arrest.
The charge against Burnett was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Beloit and Janesville Police Departments, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The prosecution of this case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Reedsburg Woman Sentenced to 7 Years for Methamphetamine Trafficking in Central WisconsinRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Marra Lundeen, 34, Reedsburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Lundeen pleaded guilty to this charge on April 10, 2023.
Lundeen was investigated by central Wisconsin law enforcement for involvement in methamphetamine trafficking for a number of years, going back to 2019. For purposes of reaching an appropriate sentence, based on facts in the investigation, Judge Conley estimated that from 2019 to 2022 when she was arrested, Lundeen had conservatively been involved in the distribution of up to 15 kilograms of methamphetamine in the Wausau/central Wisconsin area.
In imposing the sentence, Judge Conley referred to Lundeen as a high-functioning trafficker who shifted from one supplier to another when each of her suppliers was arrested by law enforcement. Due to Lundeen’s lengthy criminality and the volume of drugs, as well as the repeated nature of her trafficking, Judge Conley found the 7-year sentence necessary to protect the public and deter her from continuing in her pattern of crime.
The charge against Lundeen was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation's Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Wausau Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wisconsin's National Guard Counterdrug Program. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.
Illinois Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Leroy D. Hampton, 32, Champaign, Illinois was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. Hampton pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2023.
On November 12, 2020, a Wisconsin State Patrol trooper stopped a car on Interstate 90/94 in Juneau County, Wisconsin for illegally tinted windows and an obstructed Illinois temporary license plate.
During the interview with the driver, later identified as Hampton, the trooper smelled the odor of marijuana coming from inside the car. When asked, Hampton admitted to possessing a personal use amount of marijuana in his backpack. The trooper searched Hampton’s car and found a cell phone, as well as seven individually packaged bags of methamphetamine. The Drug Enforcement Administration Laboratory tested the methamphetamine and determined it weighed 418 grams and was 99% pure.
Agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation searched Hampton’s cell phone pursuant to a search warrant and found text messages consistent with drug distribution.
The charge against Hampton was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Juneau County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case.
Madison Man Sentenced to 72 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Zendel Rolack, 26, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 72 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Rolack pleaded guilty to this offense on March 1, 2023.
The Fitchburg Police Department executed a search warrant at a residence in Oregon, Wisconsin on October 5, 2021, as part of an investigation of a shooting that occurred in Fitchburg on September 29, 2021. At the residence, officers arrested Rolack and the shooting suspect, Alexander Jefferson-Cooper. During a search of a room being used by Rolack as a bedroom, officers located multiple firearms, extra ammunition, firearm magazines, and controlled substances.
DNA testing confirmed the presence of Rolack’s DNA on three of the recovered firearms and the packaging material of some of the controlled substances. A search of Rolack’s phone revealed photos of him with additional firearms, and text messages consistent with drug distribution. One of the other firearms recovered was found to be the firearm used in the September 29, 2021 shooting.
At the time of the offense in this case, Rolack was prohibited from possessing firearms as a result of multiple felony convictions, including a 2016 conviction for armed robbery and a 2019 conviction for strangulation and battery.
At sentencing, Judge Conley stated a substantial sentence of imprisonment was warranted in light of the Rolack’s history of committing gun offenses and crimes of violence. Judge Conley also noted that Rolack had not responded well to prior sentences of probation.
Jefferson-Cooper was charged in connection with the September 29, 2021 shooting in Dane County Case 2022CF811 and was sentenced to 6 months in jail on November 29, 2022. He was also charged in federal court with being a felon in possession of a firearm, and on January 19, 2023, Judge Conley sentenced Jefferson-Cooper to 60 months in prison.
The charges against Rolack and Jefferson-Cooper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
La Crosse Man Sentenced to 84 Months for Bringing over 2 Pounds of Methamphetamine into State for SaleRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua R. Wittenberg, 40, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 84 months in prison for possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Wittenberg pleaded guilty to the charge on April 11, 2023.
On November 7, 2023, law enforcement officers received a tip that Wittenberg was bringing a large amount of methamphetamine into La Crosse from Minnesota. Officers set up surveillance outside of Wittenberg’s apartment. Once Wittenberg arrived, a canine officer alerted to his truck. Officers then searched the truck and found over two pounds of methamphetamine.
Wittenberg was arrested and, when interviewed, he admitted that he had brought the methamphetamine to La Crosse to sell it. At the time of this offense, Wittenberg was on supervision for a prior drug conviction.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted Wittenberg’s crime was very serious and that the quantity of methamphetamine involved in this case harms the community by breeding violence and causing other collateral damage. Judge Peterson also noted that Wittenberg’s criminal history showed a pattern of drug dealing, with this most recent offense presenting an escalation in amount.
The charge against Wittenberg was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor prosecuted this case.
Wausau Man Sentenced to 10 Years for Possessing Methamphetamine for DistributionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Devin Needham, 37, Wausau, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for possessing with the intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. Needham pleaded guilty to this charge on April 5, 2023.
In December 2021, law enforcement agents began a drug investigation into Needham. The investigation revealed that Needham and his co-defendant, Ari Lor, were involved in selling large amounts of methamphetamine. On June 20, 2022, GPS location data from Lor’s cellular telephone showed he was driving towards Wausau from his home in Appleton, Wisconsin. Based on information developed during the investigation, agents believed Lor was planning to meet with Needham to buy methamphetamine.
Law enforcement officers located Lor’s black minivan parked at a market in Wausau. Officers observed Lor leave the market carrying at least one plastic bag and get in the passenger side of the minivan. The minivan drove away but was pulled over by law enforcement officers a short time later for an expired registration sticker. After a K-9 positively alerted to the presence of narcotics, officers searched the minivan and found approximately one pound of methamphetamine in a white plastic bag.
Officers later reviewed surveillance video from the market and saw Lor and Needham walk around the store together. In the video, Needham is carrying a white plastic bag and the name of a store printed on the side of the bag was identical to the bag found in the minivan containing the methamphetamine.
During Lor’s arrest, agents seized two cellular telephones from him. Officers later searched the phones pursuant to a warrant, and on one of the phones found a message over the application “Telegram” from June 19, 2022, in which Lor asked Needham about the price of one pound of methamphetamine. Needham responded it would cost $4,000. Telegram messages prior to Lor’s arrest on June 20 show him and Needham making plans to meet that day in Wausau.
Needham’s criminal history includes eight prior felony convictions, including convictions for child abuse, possession with intent to distribute cocaine, and bail jumping. At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that Needham was a drug trafficker of significance and had a substantial criminal history including multiple offenses involving violence.
On June 29, 2023, Lor was sentenced by Judge Peterson to 120 months in prison.
The charge against Needham is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Wausau Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wisconsin’s National Guard Counterdrug Program. The Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group and the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Madison Felon Sentenced to 6 Years for Possessing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Donquil D. McLemore, 20, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. McLemore’s sentence will be followed by 3 years of supervision. McLemore pleaded guilty to this charge on February 17, 2023.
On June 30, 2022, McLemore was a passenger in a stolen car in Madison when he and the other two occupants of the car crashed into a truck with a trailer. McLemore and the other occupants of the car battered the two individuals inside the truck. Then, while fleeing the scene, McLemore and the others drove past the truck and one of the occupants pointed a gun and fired a shot at the victims.
The car crashed a few miles from the scene where the shot was fired, and McLemore fled the crash site and was arrested at a nearby lot. He was found in possession of a loaded.380 caliber handgun. McLemore’s DNA was later found on the handgun.
McLemore was prohibited from possessing a firearm based on five prior felony convictions. At the time of this incident, McLemore was on state probation for three separate cases. He was also out on bond on two pending state criminal cases.
At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that McLemore was a young defendant with a disturbing history as a juvenile. He stated that McLemore’s gun possession was “especially concerning because of his history of past violence.” The Court highlighted McLemore’s “unrelenting criminality,” concluding that the protection of the public was a driver of the sentence. Finally, Judge Conley commented that McLemore had “traveled an extremely destructive path” and determined that a lengthy prison sentence was warranted.
Roland J. Scott III, one of the other occupants in the stolen car, was sentenced by Judge Conley to 8 years in prison on May 18, 2023, for possessing with intent to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl and maintaining a drug trafficking place. Scott was sentenced for conduct related to this investigation as well as additional crimes not connected to McLemore.
The charge against McLemore was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office also provided assistance in the case. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Kathryn E. Ginsberg prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
La Crosse Felon Sentenced to 46 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kareem Nellem, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 46 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. This prison term will be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Nellem pleaded guilty to this charge on April 12, 2023.
On March 30, 2022, the La Crosse Police Department conducted a search of Nellem’s residence in connection to a drug investigation. During the search, officers located a 9mm firearm in a dresser. The investigation revealed that on the same date his residence was searched, Nellem had posted to his publicly accessible Snapchat account a video of himself holding two firearms. The firearm recovered from his residence appeared consistent with one of those firearms. Nellem’s DNA was also later recovered from that firearm.
Nellem is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm as a result of a 2012 conviction for armed robbery with a firearm.
At sentencing, Judge Peterson stated that an aggravating factor in this case was that Nellem committed the offense while under supervision. Judge Petersen also stated that while the defendant had the potential to succeed, his criminal history also demonstrated a potential for violence.
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 Nellem was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
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.
Janesville Man Charged with Drug, Gun & Child Pornography Crimes
Kyle Richards, 34, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine, possessing cocaine for distribution, maintaining a drug house, being a felon in possession of firearms, and producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that from April 2023 to May 5, 2023, Richards used and maintained an apartment in Janesville for the purpose of distributing and using cocaine. The indictment further alleges that he distributed cocaine on October 9, 2022, and that on May 4, 2023, he possessed cocaine with the intent to distribute.
The indictment also charges Richards with being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that on May 4, 2023, he possessed four handguns. The final count of the indictment charges that on January 13, 2023, he used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct.
If convicted, Richards faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the charges of distributing cocaine and possessing cocaine for distribution, 5 years on the charge of maintaining a drug house, and 15 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms. The production of child pornography charge has a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years.
The charges against Richards are the result of an investigation by the Janesville Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Wood County Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography
Brian McDowell, 64, Hewitt, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on two occasions between November 2021 and April 2023, McDowell used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of the conduct.
If convicted, McDowell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 25 years and a maximum of 50 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Wood County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
Janesville Man Sentenced to 13 Years for Multiple Armed Robberies & Brandishing a FirearmRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Devonti Wilson, 38, Janesville, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 13 years in federal prison for armed robbery and brandishing a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence. This prison term will be followed by a 5-year term of supervised release. Wilson pleaded guilty to these charges on March 21, 2023.
On September 8, 2020, Wilson robbed a Lion’s Quick Mart in Janesville. During the robbery, Wilson pointed a gun at the clerk and demanded money and cigarettes; he also told the clerk to “hurry up or you’ll die.” Wilson then left the store with money and cigarettes. Over the next three hours, Wilson committed similar armed robberies at a Kelley Williamson Mobil in Fitchburg, Wisconsin and a 7-Eleven in Madison, Wisconsin. He also attempted a fourth armed robbery at a BP in Madison.
On September 10, 2020, Wilson committed four more armed robberies in Janesville. Within one hour, he robbed a Kwik Trip, a second Lion’s Quick Mart, a Tigermart Exxon, and a Walgreens. In each robbery, Wilson brandished a gun at an employee. Shortly after the last robbery, police found Wilson in a vehicle near his home and arrested him. Inside the vehicle officers found bait bills from one of the convenience stores, cash, cartons of cigarettes, and a loaded 9mm firearm.
At the time of these offenses, Wilson had been convicted of multiple felony offenses and was prohibited from possessing a firearm. He was also on active state supervision in connection to a 2018 conviction for committing a robbery with use of force.
In sentencing Wilson, Judge Conley remarked that the amount of money Wilson took from each store paled in comparison to the terrorism he imposed on each employee. Judge Conley stated a significant sentence was warranted in this case as no prior sentence had deterred Wilson from committing additional crimes.
The charges against Wilson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Janesville, Fitchburg, and Madison Police Departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus prosecuted this case.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug CrimesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – In an indictment returned on June 28, 2023 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, a La Crosse, Wisconsin man is charged with possessing methamphetamine for distribution and maintaining a drug house. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Alfredo Almanza, 42, with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on March 22, 2023. The indictment also charges him with using and maintaining a place in La Crosse from March 15 to March 22, 2023, for the purpose of distributing and using methamphetamine.
Almanza was arrested on Wednesday, July 12 in La Crosse by investigators with the La Crosse and Tomah Police Departments and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Almanza will make an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today.
If convicted, Almanza faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution, and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of maintaining a drug house. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse and Tomah Police Departments and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg 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.
Sun Prairie Man Sentenced to Federal Prison for Illegal Firearm TransferRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Daniel Baccas, 22, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison for transferring a firearm to a prohibited person. Baccas pled guilty to the charge on April 7, 2023.
During an auto theft investigation in November and December 2021, law enforcement officers observed videos posted to social media depicting Baccas with suspected marijuana and firearms. One of the videos showed Baccas and another person taking turns holding a rifle. At the time the video was taken, both Baccas and the other person were prohibited from receiving firearms because both were facing felony criminal charges in Dane County Circuit Court. At his guilty plea hearing, Baccas admitted that he gave the person in the video the rifle and that he knew that person was under indictment at the time.
A subsequent search of Baccas’s residence yielded a Glock handgun with an “auto-sear” attachment, a 50-round drum magazine, and 690 grams of marijuana packaged for resale. An “auto-sear” is an illegal, after-market attachment that converts a semi-automatic Glock handgun into a machine gun. With the attachment, the firearm is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.
The charge against Baccas was the result of an investigation conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sun Prairie Police Department, and the Dane County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin prosecuted this case.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Fitchburg Man Sentenced to 33 Months for Illegal Gun PossessionRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Derrick Johnson, 27, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 33 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm, to be followed by a 3-year term of supervised release. Johnson pleaded guilty to this charge on April 4, 2023.
On December 5, 2022, Fitchburg police were dispatched to an apartment complex in response to call for a man with a gun. When officers arrived, they saw Johnson place something under a bush. Officers took him into custody as he matched the description provided of the man with a gun. Under the bush officers found a loaded 9mm handgun. Officers also found small amounts of marijuana, MDMA, and cocaine in Johnson’s pockets.
In 2018, Johnson was convicted in federal court of possessing hydrocodone with the intent to distribute and possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Judge Conley sentenced Johnson in April 2018 to six years in federal prison. Johnson was still on supervised release when arrested for this new offense. Judge Conley revoked his supervision based on the new criminal conduct and sentenced Johnson to an additional 9 months.
At sentencing, Judge Conley said that Johnson did not take steps to address his drug use and mental health issues while on federal supervision. Instead, as an addict, Johnson got a gun and went back to the same lifestyle that he led before going to federal prison the first time.
The charge against Johnson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan handled the prosecution.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Minocqua Man Who Tried to Conceal Replica "Dukes of Hazard" Car from Bankruptcy Trustee Convicted of Bankruptcy FraudRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Bruce Polczynski, 57, Minocqua, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to three years of probation and a $1,000 fine for bankruptcy fraud. Polczynski pled guilty to this charge on March 31, 2023.
In pleading guilty, Polczynski admitted that he lied to the U.S. Bankruptcy Trustee about assets so they would not be used to pay creditors, specifically, Polczynski lied to conceal a 1969 Dodge Charger replica of the General Lee vehicle from the Dukes of Hazard television show and a 1979 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.
U.S. Attorney O’Shea noted that Polczynski’s deception was quickly discovered, and the vehicles were sold to pay creditors. According to O’Shea, “Polczynski’s story, where he was quickly stripped of the assets he tried to hide, suffered the embarrassment of federal prosecution, and received a felony conviction, is a compelling cautionary tale for anyone considering bankruptcy fraud.”
In imposing sentence, Judge Peterson noted that the bankruptcy system—like many government institutions—”depends critically on the honesty” of those who engage with it. According to Judge Peterson, while three years of probation was the “just sentence” given Polczynski’s health and financial circumstances, a prison term may be required in other bankruptcy fraud cases to “amplify” the general deterrence message.
The charge against Polczynski was the result of an investigation conducted by the Office of the United States Trustee and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea prosecuted this case.
Dane County Woman Charged with Money Laundering & Drug OffensesRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – A Windsor, Wisconsin woman is charged with money laundering and possessing fentanyl for distribution in an indictment returned on June 28, 2023 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Alicia M. Allen, 37, with 4 counts of money laundering and 1 count of possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that Allen caused proceeds from the distribution of controlled substances to be deposited in her business banking account on four occasions in June 2022, July 2022, and January 2023. The alleged drug proceeds deposited were in the amounts of $5,000, $4,000, $4,000, and $104,332.88. The indictment also alleges that on November 28, 2022, Allen possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute.
Allen made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison on Friday, June 30 and her arraignment is scheduled for tomorrow.
If convicted, Allen faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each money laundering charge. The fentanyl charge carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years. The charges against her are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Three Charged with Stealing Firearms from La Crosse County Gun ShopRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Three men are charged with stealing firearms from a business located in La Crosse County, Wisconsin, in an indictment returned on June 28, 2023 by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin. The indictment is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.
The indictment charges Robert E. Benson, 18, of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Mackey K. Drake, 22, also of La Crosse, and Nehemiah J. Sample, 26, Trempealeau, Wisconsin with stealing 41 firearms from a federally licensed firearms business located in the Village of Rockland, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that the firearms were stolen on April 25, 2023. The indictment also charges Drake with being a felon in possession of firearms.
Benson is scheduled to make his initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today. The initial appearances of Drake and Sample have not been scheduled.
If convicted, Benson, Drake, and Sample each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the charge of stealing the firearms. Drake also faces a maximum penalty of 15 years on the felon in possession of firearms charge. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Lake Village (Arkansas) Police Department, and 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.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Former Wausau Investment Advisor Sentenced to 8 Years for $1.9 Million Ponzi SchemeRead the Press Release
MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony B. Liddle, 41, Wausau, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 8 years in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering. Liddle pleaded guilty to the charges on February 24, 2023.
Liddle served as an investment advisor for his own financial advisory firm, Prosper Wealth Management in Wausau. Between June 2019 and August 2022, he solicited money from his clients allegedly to place in low-risk investments. However, Liddle never actually invested the money. Instead, he kept the money and spent it on his businesses and on personal expenses, including travel. In total, he stole $1,937,817.92 from his clients.
Liddle maintained a high profile in the investment community, hosting seminars and marketing himself as a successful family man who cared about helping others. Many of the victims were individuals he befriended. When the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions began investigating Liddle, he falsely claimed that each of the stolen investments were loans to him, even going so far as creating false loan documents.
In selecting a sentence of 8 years, Judge Peterson said he hoped to provide some measure of justice for the victims, whom he described as “hard-working people who accumulated their wealth over a long period of time.” Judge Peterson called Liddle’s crimes “monstrous,” because he ruthlessly manipulated and stole from people that he knew well.
The charges against Liddle were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, IRS Criminal Investigation, Securities and Exchange Commission, and the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Zachary Corey and Meredith Duchemin prosecuted this case.