Western District of Wisconsin

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Demetrius Brown, 47, an inmate at the Federal Correctional Institutional in Oxford, Wisconsin, was sentenced late last week by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 33 months in federal prison for physically assaulting a prison guard. Brown’s sentence will be served consecutive to the sentence he is already serving for drug trafficking. Brown pleaded guilty to the assault charge on June 9, 2025.

On August 24, 2024, Brown attacked a prison guard after the guard found an item of contraband in Brown’s cell. The guard suffered minor injuries.

At sentencing, Judge Conley found it troubling that in addition to causing injury to the guard, Brown’s conduct jeopardized the safety of other staff who responded to the assault. Judge Conley also expressed disappointment that Brown appeared to lack insight into his violent behavior.

The charge against Brown was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John A. Soung, 48, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Soung pleaded guilty to this charge on June 5, 2025.

In July 2024, investigators received information from a confidential source that a large quantity of methamphetamine was being stored inside a storage unit in Eau Claire. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and found a backpack with approximately six pounds of methamphetamine inside. Records showed that Soung rented the storage unit, and he ultimately admitted that he used it to store methamphetamine for distribution around the Eau Claire area. On July 12, 2024, Soung was arrested during a traffic stop and inside the car, officers found a 9mm handgun that Soung later admitted was his. Soung is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions.

In handing down Soung’s substantial sentence, Judge Conley recognized that this case represented a “great escalation” in Soung’s history of methamphetamine dealing. Judge Conley also noted that Soung was illegally possessing a firearm while regularly distributing methamphetamine.

The charge against Soung was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted the case.

Federal criminal cases involving drugs and firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph Harrison, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 ½ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Harrison pleaded guilty to this charge on June 11, 2025.

During a dispute on April 9, 2024, Harrison brandished a gun, pointed it in a woman’s face, and threatened to shoot her. He then fled in another woman’s car. Because Harrison was on state supervision at the time for a prior criminal offense, officers tracked him using GPS monitoring. Officers stopped and arrested Harrison and then searched the vehicle, where they found a loaded Beretta .22 caliber handgun under the seat Harrison had occupied. Harrison is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Harrison had spent approximately 17 years in and out of jail or prison and was on a “disastrous path for everyone, society most of all.” Judge Conley also noted that Harrison had a history of violence, particularly toward women. Judge Conley found a substantial sentence of 6 ½ years was necessary to protect the public.

The charge against Harrison was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn Ginsberg, Jennifer Remington, and Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

Federal cases involving firearms are part of Operation Take Back America. Operation Take Back America is a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF) and Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).

MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments yesterday. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Madison Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes

Gairitt Schad, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2025, Schad possessed cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin, all intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, he possessed a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and that he possessed a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield .40 caliber handgun and ammunition as a convicted felon.

If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison. The charge for possessing cocaine and heroin intended for distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The felon in possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.

The charges against Schad are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

Eau Claire Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Jason Bloedow, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution, and maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment alleges that Bloedow sold methamphetamine on March 19 and April 15, 2025, the second buy involving 50 grams or more. The indictment also alleges that Bloedow possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution on April 25, 2025, and used his residence as a drug involved premises.

If convicted of the charge involving 500 grams or more, Bloedow faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more, he faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years. The distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, and the drug premises charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Dunn County and Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.

Madison Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

Noah A. Hodges, 43, Madison, Wisconsin is charged with possessing 50 grams or more methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Hodges possessed the methamphetamine on February 6, 2025.

If convicted, Hodges faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

The charge against Hodges is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

Wausau Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Austin Heil, 27, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on February 20, 2024.

If convicted, Heil faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

The charge against Heil 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, Wisconsin State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.

Fitchburg Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm

Jalen Hayes, 25, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on July 25, 2025, Hayes possessed a mixture of fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Hayes possessed a loaded Radikal Arms RPX9 Exodus 9mm handgun as a convicted felon and further that he possessed that handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

If convicted of the drug charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

** Federal cases involving drugs and firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

Note: An earlier version of this release stated that Austin Heil was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm. That information was incorrect, and the release has been corrected.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, returned an indictment today against Robert Gilkey-Meisegeier, 30, of Madison. Gilkey-Meisegeier is charged with producing, attempting to produce, and possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on May 16, 2025, Gilkey-Meisegeier produced and attempted to produce images of child pornography, and further that he possessed images of child pornography on June 1, 2025.

If convicted of either of the production related charges, Gilkey-Meisegeier faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison. The possession count carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department with assistance from the University of Wisconsin Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

MADISON, WIS. – The Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin joins the U.S. Department of Justice and the Office on Violence Against Women (OVW) in announcing grants provided to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice received $3,030,186 for the STOP (Services, Training, Officers, Prosecutors) Violence Against Women Formula Grant Program. It was authorized by the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) of 1994 and reauthorized by subsequent legislation. The STOP Formula Grant Program encourages partnerships between law enforcement, prosecution, courts, and victim services organizations to enhance victim safety and hold offenders accountable in cases of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking. The goal of the grant program is to develop and strengthen law enforcement, prosecution, and court strategies to combat violent crimes against women and to develop and strengthen victim services, including community based, culturally specific services, in cases involving domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice received $954,705 for the Sexual Assault Services Formula Program (SAS Formula Program). It was created by the Violence Against Women and Department of Justice Reauthorization Act of 2005 (VAWA 2005), 34 U.S.C. § 12511. The SAS Formula Program directs grant dollars to states and territories to assist them in supporting rape crisis centers and nonprofit, nongovernmental organizations that provide core services, direct intervention, and related assistance to victims of sexual assault, regardless of age. Funds provided through the SAS Formula Program are designed to supplement other funding sources directed at addressing sexual assault on the state and territorial levels. Rape crisis centers and other nonprofit organizations, such as dual programs providing domestic violence and sexual assault intervention services, play a vital role in assisting sexual assault victims through the healing process, as well as assisting victims through the medical, criminal justice, and other social support systems.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that May X. Kong, 42, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 ½ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Kong pled guilty to this charge on May 7, 2025.

On July 4, 2024, Eau Claire police officers stopped a vehicle that Kong was riding in after it left the house of a known methamphetamine dealer. Inside the vehicle’s center console, officers found a loaded SCCY CPX-2 9mm handgun. Officers also found a small amount of methamphetamine. Kong admitted to police that the gun belonged to her. Kong is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm because of prior felony convictions.

At Kong’s sentencing, Judge Conley found that a substantial sentence was necessary because this was Kong’s third conviction for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Judge Conley was particularly concerned that Kong was returned to crime only a few months after being released from state prison. 

The charge against Kong was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted the case.

Federal criminal cases involving firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kory Washington, 21, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 33 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Washington pleaded guilty to this charge on June 5, 2025.

On November 19, 2024, law enforcement in Madison attempted to arrest Washington because he had an outstanding warrant. Washington fled and during the chase, officers saw him throw a handgun. Officers ultimately apprehended Washington and recovered the handgun, which was a loaded 9mm Smith & Wesson M&P Shield. The handgun had previously been reported stolen in Illinois. Washington is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that despite his young age, Washington had already committed an unrelenting stream of crimes, and his criminal conduct was escalating as evidenced by his decision to arm himself in this case. Judge Peterson also cited Washington’s gang ties as a reason for concern, commenting that Washington was the seventh member of the same gang sentenced to federal prison. 

The charge against Washington was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which is comprised of agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

Federal criminal cases involving firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments on August 6, 2025. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Wausau Investment Advisor Charged With Wire Fraud and Money Laundering

Stanley Pophal, 63, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with seven counts of wire fraud and three counts of money laundering. The indictment alleges that between May 2019 and June 2025, Pophal accepted money from investors and promised to invest their funds in one of his various business ventures, including using the money to purchase commercial properties and office buildings and convert them into residential apartments. However, the indictment alleges that Pophal failed to invest the money as promised. Instead, he allegedly used most of the money for his own purposes, including the purchase of hundreds of snowmobiles.

If convicted, Pophal faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison for each count of wire fraud. He faces a maximum of 10 years in prison for each money laundering count.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the case.

Chippewa Falls Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Firearms, Ammunition, and Unregistered Silencers

Michael A. Raskie Jr., 42, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon and possessing silencers not registered to him in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. The indictment alleges that Raskie possessed these items on January 14, 2025.

If convicted, Raskie faces a maximum penalty of 15 years on the felon in possession charge and 10 years on the unregistered silencers charge.

The charges against Raskie are the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Lake Hallie Police Department, and the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force is comprised of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.

Milwaukee Felon Charged With Illegally Possessing Machinegun and Ammunition

Jevon Smith, 31, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon and possessing a machinegun. The indictment alleges that on June 15, 2025, Smith possessed a loaded Glock 29 10mm handgun, 10mm ammunition, and a machinegun conversion device.

A machinegun conversion device is an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully functioning machinegun. A handgun with a machinegun conversion device is extremely dangerous, even for experienced firearms users, because it is difficult to control and is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on the felon in possession charge, and 10 years in prison on the machinegun charge.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

Fitchburg Man Charged With Illegally Possessing Firearm and Ammunition

Kavant D. Smith, 24, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that Smith possessed the firearm and ammunition on January 27, 2025.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

Chippewa County Felon Charged With Methamphetamine Trafficking and Illegally Possessing a Firearm in Furtherance of Drug Trafficking

Patrick J. Buswell, 50, Holcombe, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon, and possessing the same firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity. The indictment alleges that Buswell possessed the methamphetamine and firearm on June 15, 2025.

If convicted of the methamphetamine charge, Buswell faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If convicted of the charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking activity, Buswell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force and the Rusk County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.

The gun and drug cases in the press release are part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced Angelica Mendoza Rubio, 49, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge Williams M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to commit concealment money laundering. Mendoza Rubio pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2025.

Mendoza Rubio was a certified accountant in Mexico. From December of 2020 to April 2021, operating in Mexico, Mendoza Rubio used a complex network of money launderers in the United States to help criminal clients launder funds out of the United States by converting bulk cash in the United States to Bitcoin. The scheme utilized shell companies, nominee account holders, funnel accounts, and layered financial transactions to help conceal the true source, owner, and location of the funds. In December of 2020, Mendoza Rubio and others in the network laundered approximately $240,000 in proceeds generated from a wire fraud scheme targeting a business in the Western District of Wisconsin.

At the sentencing, Judge Conley found that the Mendoza Rubio had assisted in laundering $5.1 million in funds generated from criminal activity during the five months of the charged conspiracy. In selecting a 5-year sentence, Judge Conley noted Mendoza Rubio’s invaluable role in the scheme given her expertise as an accountant and the sophisticated nature of the scheme.

Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma praised the efforts of law enforcement in this case, “Sophisticated money launderers like Mendoza Rubio help facilitate international criminal activity. I commend the law enforcement agents who worked to bring her to justice.”

The charge against Mendoza Rubio was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Diplomatic Security Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith P. Duchemin and Louis Glinzak handled the prosecution.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jason Barnard, 39, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in prison for possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. Barnard pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2025.

Barnard sold methamphetamine and fentanyl to a confidential informant two times in October 2024. While traveling back from his source of supply in Minnesota, law enforcement stopped and arrested Barnard. They searched his car and found more than two kilograms of methamphetamine, 85 grams of fentanyl, and $3,696 cash.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson described Barnard’s trafficking of “vast” quantities of drugs as a “very serious crime” that results in devastating consequences for the community.

The charge against Barnard was the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Enforcement Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Andrew Pogosyan, 68, of Madison, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty today in federal court in Madison to a four-count criminal information charging conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the United States. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley accepted the guilty plea and scheduled sentencing for October 7, 2025. Pogosyan is U.S. Citizen born in Russia.

“Today’s plea is the culmination of the outstanding work by our law enforcement partners,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “As part of our on-going commitment to protecting national security, this office will hold accountable those who violate export control laws.”

“Mr. Pogosyan threatened the national security of the United States by violating sanctions and illegally exporting scientific laboratory equipment to companies in Russia,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI continues to tirelessly work with our law enforcement partners to investigate anyone who helps foreign adversaries evade sanctions. Pogosyan’s actions undermined the protections put in place to ensure U.S. national security.”

The U.S. government regulates the export of goods, technology, and software from the United States. On February 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry and Security implemented specific export control regulations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These regulations prohibit the export of certain items from the United States to Russia without a license from the Bureau of Industry and Security. The regulations were expanded on September 16, 2022, to include a licensing requirement for items potentially useful to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons production capabilities. Under the Export Control Reform Act, it is a federal crime to willfully violate any export control regulation.

According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, beginning around September 2022 and continuing until October 2023, Pogosyan through his company, Omega Diagnostics, LLC, willfully violated and evaded the export restrictions imposed on Russia by exporting scientific and diagnostic research equipment components to Russia without the required licenses, using transshipment points in third-party countries to conceal the ultimate destination. Specifically, Pogosyan conspired with Russian-based companies and individuals to export controlled items from the United States to Russia through third-party countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania. Pogosyan exported the controlled items without obtaining a license, despite knowing about the license requirement.

When sentenced, Pogosyan faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the smuggling violations.

The charges against Pogosyan were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry & Security, Office of Export Enforcement; and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations. Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section prosecuted this case.

Andrew Pogosyan, 68, a U.S. citizen born in Russia and residing in Madison, pleaded guilty today in federal court to a four-count criminal information charging him with conspiracy to defraud the United States and smuggling goods from the United States.

The U.S. government regulates the export of goods, technology, and software from the United States. On Feb. 24, 2022, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) implemented specific export control regulations in response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. These regulations prohibit the export of certain items from the United States to Russia without a license from the BIS. The regulations were expanded on Sept. 16, 2022, to include a licensing requirement for items potentially useful to Russia’s chemical and biological weapons production capabilities. Under the Export Control Reform Act, it is a federal crime to willfully violate any export control regulation.

According to court filings and statements made during the plea hearing, beginning around September 2022 and continuing until October 2023, Pogosyan through his company, Omega Diagnostics LLC, willfully violated and evaded the export restrictions imposed on Russia by exporting scientific and diagnostic research equipment components to Russia without the required licenses, using transshipment points in third-party countries to conceal the ultimate destination. Specifically, Pogosyan conspired with Russian-based companies and individuals to export controlled items from the United States to Russia through third-party countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkey, Latvia, and Lithuania. Pogosyan exported the controlled items without obtaining a license, despite knowing about the license requirement.

Pogosyan faces a maximum penalty of five years in prison for the conspiracy charge and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison for each of the smuggling violations. Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 7. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General for National Security John A. Eisenberg, Acting U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Assistant Director Roman Rozhavsky of the FBI’s Counterintelligence Division made the announcement.

The FBI, BIS Office of Export Enforcement, and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations are investigating the case.

Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma for the Western District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Christopher Cook of the National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tam Phan, 40, Middleton, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty yesterday to tax evasion in connection to her nail salon business, Happy Nails & Spa, in Middleton.

Phan has been the operator and sole proprietor of Happy Nails & Spa since 2010.   The government’s investigation revealed that a large percentage of Happy Nails customers paid for their services with cash between 2021 and 2023. However, Phan’s tax returns for that time period only reported the credit card sales. During the plea hearing, Phan admitted that she intentionally failed to report the cash sales from Happy Nails & Spa on her 2022 federal tax return.

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled Phan’s sentencing for October 28, 2025. Phan faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison.

The charge against Phan was the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution. 

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Scott Chier, 63, Middleton, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. The prison term will be followed by 15 years of supervised release. Chier was also ordered to pay $45,000 in restitution to the victims of his crime. Chier pleaded guilty to the offense on April 30, 2025.

After receiving information about an IP address associated with Chier distributing child pornography, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Chier’s residence in Middleton on July 27, 2022. Images of child pornography were located on electronic devices owned by Chier. Chier was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 3, 2022, but resolution of his case was delayed pending resolution of a legal issue by the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.   

At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that Chier’s conduct was very serious due to the nature of the images that Chier possessed, Chier’s distribution of the images, and Chier’s prior conviction for similar conduct. Judge Peterson explained that he was imposing the sentence to protect the public and deter Chier from further criminal conduct.

The charge against Chier was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waukesha, Hartford, and Middleton Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Julie Pfluger and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Deovion Baker, 20, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to two years in federal prison for directing another individual to straw purchase two firearms and for receiving a firearm while under indictment. Baker pleaded guilty to these charges on November 21, 2024, and May 1, 2025. The prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release.

“Straw purchasing” is when a gun buyer lies to a firearms dealer to purchase a gun for someone else. Most often straw purchases occur either because the straw buyer can pass the required background check and the actual buyer cannot, or because the actual buyer wants to avoid having their name associated with the gun transaction. Straw purchasing is a serious threat to public safety because it undermines background check laws and contributes to the illegal gun market.

On September 1, 2023, codefendant Candice Patterson straw purchased two Glock handguns for Baker. One Glock was later recovered in Madison on January 6, 2024, in the possession of a convicted felon. The handgun was equipped with a machinegun conversion device. The other Glock was recovered on January 10, 2024, in Springfield, Illinois, also in the possession of a convicted felon.

While Baker was already under federal indictment for the straw purchase, he received a Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun. It is a violation of federal law to receive a firearm while under indictment. A law enforcement officer recovered the firearm from Baker during a traffic stop in Madison on November 17, 2024.

As part of Baker’s sentencing, Judge Peterson also considered Baker’s importation of machinegun conversion devices. In July and August of 2023, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents seized suspicious packages addressed to Baker. The packages were sent from addresses in China and contained four machinegun conversion devices. An analysis of prior packages showed that Baker had received 19 similar packages from China.

A machinegun conversion device is an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully functioning machinegun. A handgun with a machinegun conversion device is extremely dangerous, even for experienced firearms users, because it is difficult to control and is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.

“Straw purchases undermine our efforts to keep firearms out of the hands of those legally prohibited from possessing them,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Elgersma. “Weapons in the hands of those prohibited from possessing them are a direct threat to the public. This is particularly true when those weapons are converted into machineguns. I commend our law enforcement partners in this case for bringing defendant’s conduct to light.”

At sentencing, despite Baker’s young age, Judge Peterson rejected Baker’s request for probation because of the serious nature of the criminal conduct. Judge Peterson also found that Baker’s decision to receive another firearm after signing a plea agreement in the straw purchase case was an aggravating factor. Judge Peterson found that it was likely Baker would continue to commit crimes.

On September 27, 2024, codefendant Candice Patterson pleaded guilty to making a false statement on a federal firearms form when she straw purchased the two Glock handguns for Baker. Judge Peterson sentenced Patterson on January 17, 2025, to three years of probation.

The charges against Baker and Patterson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force is comprised of federal agents from ATF and task force officers from local and state agencies in the Western District of Wisconsin. 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.

MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin, man has been convicted of repeatedly distributing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl; possessing those same drugs for distribution; and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Gregory P. Robinson, 41, was convicted following a three-day trial in federal court in Madison. The jury reached a verdict today after just over two hours of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

The government presented evidence at trial that Robinson sold controlled substances to an undercover police officer in Madison on four occasions in June 2024. Robinson sold cocaine on June 3; cocaine and fentanyl on June 6; and cocaine, fentanyl and heroin on June 13 and June 20. On June 25, 2024, law enforcement executed a search warrant at the hotel room where Robinson was staying. In the room, officers located more than 500 grams of cocaine, heroin, and more than 40 grams of fentanyl. Officers also located drug packaging materials, ingredients to manufacture crack cocaine, a money counter, and U.S. currency.

A witness from the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory confirmed the chemical composition of the controlled substances. A witness from the Drug Enforcement Administration testified that the quantities of cocaine and fentanyl found in the hotel room were consistent with an intent to distribute the drugs rather than an intent to use the drugs personally.

Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson scheduled sentencing for October 2, 2025. Robinson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison for each drug distribution charge and the maintaining a drug involved premises charge. For each possession with intent charge, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

The case was investigated by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force is comprised of ATF agents and Task Force Officers from local and state agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Lennon and William M. Levins.   

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Cashius Carter, 21, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 2 ½ years in federal prison for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

On September 25, 2024, a Fitchburg police officer stopped a vehicle that Carter was driving. The vehicle smelled of marijuana and the officer asked Carter to exit the vehicle so it could be searched. Carter fled from the scene but was ultimately caught. In the vehicle, the officer found a loaded Glock 19 9mm with an extended magazine between the driver’s seat and center console. In the back seat, officers recovered almost 700 grams of marijuana. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory later recovered Carter’s DNA on the firearm. Carter is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm or ammunitions because of a prior felony conviction for eluding an officer.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that Carter’s possession of a loaded firearm with a large quantity of marijuana was dangerous. Judge Peterson also noted that Carter had an aggravated criminal history, which included a violent battery and a high-speed police chase. Judge Peterson explained that he was imposing the sentence to protect the public and deter Carter from further criminal conduct.

The charge against Carter was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. 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.

WASHINGTON — The Department of Justice is pleased to announce the opening of the application period for federally recognized Tribes and intertribal consortia to participate in the Tribal Access Program (TAP) for National Crime Information.  TAP improves public safety by providing federally recognized Tribes the ability to access and exchange data with national crime information databases for authorized criminal justice and non-criminal justice purposes, including the FBI’s National Crime Information Center (NCIC).

The program provides software, hardware, and training, as well as a web-based application and biometric/biographic kiosk workstations to process fingerprints, take mugshots, and submit information to FBI Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) systems.  The Department will accept TAP applications from July 9 to August 29. Tribes selected to participate will be notified in September. There are currently 149 federally recognized Tribes participating in TAP.

Using TAP, Tribes have shared information about missing persons; entered domestic violence orders of protection for nationwide enforcement; registered convicted sex offenders; run criminal histories; located fugitives; entered bookings and convictions; and completed fingerprint-based record checks for non-criminal justice purposes such as screening employees or volunteers who work with children.

“As a TAP Pilot Tribe, the Cherokee Nation has been participating in TAP for many years,” said Suzanne Drywater, Senior Director of Justice Services for the Cherokee Nation.  “From sex offender registrations, law enforcement, foster home certification, human resources, and child support, our tribe has been able to exercise our sovereignty, and TAP has proven to be an invaluable resource that we use daily in a multitude of ways.”          

For Tribes that are considering applying, TAP staff will be conducting informational webinars describing the program and its capabilities. Webinars will be offered throughout July and August. For more information about TAP, including webinar dates, times and access information, visit www.justice.gov/tribal/tribal-access-program-tap.

To qualify for funding, federally recognized Tribes must have – and agree to use TAP for – at least one of the following:

• A Tribal sex offender registry authorized by the Adam Walsh Child Protection and Safety Act,
• A Tribal law enforcement agency that has arrest powers,
• A Tribal court that issues orders of protection, or
• A Tribal government agency that screens individuals for foster care placement or that investigates allegations of child abuse/neglect.

TAP is funded by the Office of Sex Offender Sentencing, Monitoring, Apprehending, Registering, and Tracking; the Office of Community Oriented Policing Services; the Office for Victims of Crime; and the Office on Violence Against Women. TAP is co-managed by the department’s Office of the Chief Information Officer and Office of Tribal Justice.

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MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick M. Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Malcolm Whiteside, 30, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 8 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. Whiteside was convicted of this charge on April 15, 2025, following a two-day jury trial. Whiteside was on federal supervised release for a prior felon-in-possession offense at the time of his new criminal conduct in this case. Judge Peterson revoked Whiteside’s supervision and imposed a sentence of 1 ½ years, resulting in a total sentence of 9 ½ years.

On August 12, 2024, Whiteside led police on a dangerous high-speed chase on a Madison highway and ultimately crashed the car he was driving into a semi-truck. From there, Whiteside fled on foot to the parking lot of a home improvement store, where a police officer found him hiding in a garden shed. Officers at the crash scene searched the vehicle Whiteside was driving and found a loaded firearm underneath the driver’s floormat. An analyst from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab recovered Whiteside’s DNA on multiple locations of the firearm. Whiteside is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

The firearm Whiteside possessed was equipped with a Machinegun Conversion Device. About an inch-long, a Machinegun Conversion Device is an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully functioning machinegun. A firearm equipped with a Machinegun Conversion Device is extremely dangerous, even for experienced firearms users, because it is difficult to control and is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.

In addition to finding the machinegun, officers found bags of cocaine, methamphetamine, and fentanyl inside the abandoned car. An analyst from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab found Whiteside’s DNA on the plastic bag containing the fentanyl.

In sentencing Whiteside, Judge Peterson explained that Whiteside posed a danger to the community when he possessed a loaded machinegun. Judge Peterson also noted that Whiteside’s criminal history, which included prior convictions for firearms offenses, was an aggravating factor.

The charge against Whiteside was the result of an investigation conducted by the City of Monona Police Department, Madison Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Acting United States Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma and Assistant United States Attorney Colleen Lennon 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.

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick Elgersma, Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Nathanial Johnson, 34, Hayward, Wisconsin, pleaded guilty and 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 intended for distribution.

On August 5, 2024, law enforcement found Johnson in his camper with multiple drug customers there to purchase methamphetamine. Johnson tripped upon exiting the camper in an unsuccessful attempt to flee and dropped a bag of drugs near his foot. The individuals inside admitted they were at Johnson’s camper to purchase drugs from him. In addition to over 329 grams of methamphetamine, law enforcement found a digital scale, over $1,400 in U.S. currency, and other items consistent with drug distribution. Law enforcement also found 5 bindles of drugs packaged for distribution that contained fentanyl and found additional bags of fentanyl in his camper, making the total weight of fentanyl found approximately 15 grams.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern over Johnson’s past criminal history and his repeated failures when placed on supervision within the community. Judge Peterson found that Johnson posed an increased risk to the community when he escalated to pound-level drug dealing in this case. Judge Peterson said that protection of the public was paramount given Johnson’s practice of frequently returning to drug use and fleeing law enforcement.

The charge against Johnson was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office, City of Hayward Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Chadwick Elgersma has been appointed as the Acting United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the people of Wisconsin in this role,” said Mr. Elgersma. “For however long I serve as United States Attorney, my primary objective will be to keep Wisconsin residents safe through the vigorous enforcement of Federal law. Under my leadership, the United States Attorney’s Office will do its part to protect national security and to stem the unlawful flow of people and drugs into our country. We will also not lose sight of our responsibility to combat financial and violent crime, gang activity, child predators, and to zealously advocate on behalf of the United States’ civil interests.”

Mr. Elgersma was raised in Waupun, Wisconsin. He graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire with a Bachelor of Science in accounting. He earned his Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law in 2005. In 2006, Mr. Elgersma joined the FBI as a Special Agent. In 2017, he joined the U.S. Attorney’s Office as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin and was sworn in as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2019.

As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, Mr. Elgersma prosecuted a myriad of criminal matters including interstate drug conspiracies, firearms offenses, Hobbs Act robberies, child exploitation cases, complex white-collar fraud, government program fraud, tax evasion, arson, and immigration-related offenses.   

As U.S. Attorney, Mr. Elgersma will be responsible for overseeing federal criminal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States in the Western District of Wisconsin. The Western District of Wisconsin encompasses the Western 44 counties in Wisconsin.

MADISON, WIS. – After 34 years of service with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Western District of Wisconsin, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced that he is retiring from the Department of Justice. Mr. O’Shea began his career with the U.S. Attorney’s Office as an intern in January 1991. He was hired as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the criminal division in August 1991 and served in that role until 2002, when he was appointed Senior Litigation Counsel. Mr. O’Shea was appointed as First Assistant U.S. Attorney in 2018 and served in that role until March 2021. He also served as Acting Civil Chief from September 2020 to January 2021. He was appointed as Acting U.S. Attorney in March 2021 and then formally transitioned to U.S. Attorney in April 2022.

During his career as a federal prosecutor, Mr. O’Shea prosecuted a broad array of federal crimes including money laundering; tax crimes; bank, mail, wire, and credit card fraud; illegal weapons; narcotics; bank robbery; murder, attempted murder, and other violent offenses. He also had a particular emphasis in computer and intellectual property crimes, specifically trade secret theft, system intrusions, and illegal counterfeit and distribution of copyrighted material. He was the lead prosecutor in United States v. Sinovel, the first and only federal jury trial and conviction of Chinese company for trade secret theft. The prosecution team recovered more than $58 million in restitution for the victims. Mr. O’Shea was also an experienced appellate advocate, arguing more than 60 cases before the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals.

As U.S. Attorney, he was considered the chief federal law enforcement officer in the Western District of Wisconsin, responsible for overseeing all federal prosecutions and civil litigation involving the United States within the district. As U.S. Attorney, Mr. O’Shea worked with Federal, State, and local law enforcement and intelligence professionals on issues related to gun violence. He also developed and participated in “Protecting Places of Worship” events held throughout the Western District of Wisconsin for law enforcement, public safety professionals, and religious communities.               

“It’s been a privilege to serve the citizens of the Western District of Wisconsin  and to work with such a dedicated and talented group of attorneys and legal professionals,” said Mr. O’Shea. “I greatly enjoyed my years with the Department of Justice, and for the last four years, it’s been an honor to serve Western Wisconsin as U.S. Attorney.”

Following U.S. Attorney O’Shea’s retirement, Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma will serve as the Acting U.S. Attorney until a U.S. Attorney is formally nominated by the President and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. Mr. Elgersma has been an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the district since 2017. Prior to joining the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Mr. Elgersma was a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Javaris Nunn, 33, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced June 24, 2025, by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 30 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Nunn pleaded guilty to this charge on March 26, 2025.

On December 28, 2023, Nunn was a rear passenger in a vehicle that was stopped because it did not have a license plate. Next to Nunn, officers found a backpack containing an unloaded Glock 42 .380 caliber handgun and a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .45 caliber handgun with the serial number scratched off. While Nunn denied knowledge of the handguns, the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory found evidence of Nunn’s DNA on both guns.

Nunn has prior felony convictions for theft from a person, felon in possession of a firearm, and robbery. As a convicted felon, Nunn cannot legally possess firearms or ammunition.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that he was considering not only Nunn’s traumatic past and positive characteristics, but also his significant criminal history and the severity of the offense.  Judge Peterson noted that Nunn carrying firearms was a recipe for disaster. Judge Peterson imposed the sentence to run concurrently with a state revocation sentence and ordered that Nunn serve three years of supervised release.

The charge against Nunn was the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Sheriff’s Office and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies representing the Western District of Wisconsin. 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.

MADISON, WIS. – Bernard Seidling, 74, Hayward, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to seven years in federal prison for bankruptcy fraud and criminal contempt of court. He was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. A jury convicted Seidling of these crimes after a four-day trial in federal court in Madison.

“Seidling was a recurring and shameless financial predator,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “I am grateful to our tireless prosecutors and the many partners who worked to hold him accountable: the U.S. Trustee’s Office, the FBI, the Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigations, and the U.S. Postal Inspectors.”

“Mr. Seidling's sentence reflects the FBI's commitment to ensuring public trust by pursuing individuals who defraud others for personal gain,” said FBI Milwaukee Special Agent in Charge Michael Hensle. “The FBI will continue to work diligently with our partners to pursue justice and combat any fraud which negatively impacts financial institutions and the American people.”

Seidling filed for bankruptcy in 2022. On the schedules he filed at the beginning of the case, Seidling falsely stated he had no real estate, retirement accounts, trusts, partnerships, or business-related property, and that he had only one bank account with a balance of $195. In reality, Seidling had approximately $20 million in assets hidden behind dozens of sham trusts and partnerships. Seidling’s schedules also stated he had not sold real estate in the past two years, when in fact he sold a waterfront home in Key West, Florida, for more than $3 million in 2021.

Over Seidling’s objection, the bankruptcy court converted the case from a reorganization to a liquidation. At that point, Seidling began falsely representing that he could not meaningfully participate in the bankruptcy due to his physical and mental health, and Seidling argued the bankruptcy court should indefinitely pause the proceeding. During the period of Seidling’s alleged incapacitation, he continued to manage his businesses, conduct banking activity, and play tennis at a club in Key West, where he lived during the winter months. Seidling also represented himself and participated in state court litigation during this time.

Regarding the contempt conviction, Seidling violated an order issued by the bankruptcy court. That order prohibited Seidling from transferring assets held by 37 of Seidling’s businesses, plus any other business entity Seidling was associated with, while the bankruptcy proceeded. The order further prohibited Seidling from directing or instructing anyone else to transfer assets. Seidling violated the order by transferring real estate and draining bank accounts. He hid more than $1,000,000 in cash in a crawl space under his house. Seidling also used an unwitting individual to transfer a parcel of real estate.       

At sentencing, Judge Peterson explained that a number of reasons warranted the above-guideline sentence, including the length and scope of Seidling’s criminal conduct. In addition to the charged conduct, Judge Peterson found that Seidling committed perjury during his testimony at the criminal trial. Judge Peterson commented that he had never seen a more “systematically dishonest defendant” who “resolutely resisted taking responsibility” for his actions.

Seidling’s criminal history also played a role in the sentence. Seidling had two prior federal convictions: a 1991 conviction for interference with commerce by threats or violence and a 2009 conviction for 50 counts of mail fraud. The 2009 conviction involved Seidling using small claims court to obtain judgments against victims without serving the victims with process. Drawing a connection between that case and the present one, Judge Peterson noted Seidling was skilled at using courts to extort people. Given this history, Judge Peterson found Seidling was a danger to reoffend.

Throughout the criminal case, Seidling was represented by a court-appointed attorney. In order to obtain representation at public expense, a defendant must represent that he cannot afford representation. Judge Peterson found Seidling’s claim of indigency was false, and the court ordered Seidling to reimburse the U.S. Treasury for the cost of his defense.

The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. The United States also received assistance from the Office of the United States Trustee. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith P. Duchemin and Megan R. Stelljes handled the prosecution. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of a criminal complaint charging Stanley Pophal, 63, Wausau, Wisconsin, with wire fraud and money laundering. Pophal was arrested Saturday and made his initial appearance in federal court yesterday. He was detained pending further proceedings.     

According to the criminal complaint, beginning in 2019, Pophal solicited investors to purchase promissory notes from him with supposedly guaranteed rates of return. In order to lure investors into the scheme, Pophal falsely represented that he was a wealthy businessman. Between May of 2019 and March of 2025, Pophal received more than $15,000,000 from at least 120 investors.

The criminal complaint also alleges that Pophal did not actually invest the  majority of the money he obtained from his investors. Instead, Pophal used the money to live an extravagant lifestyle, including the purchase of over 300 snowmobiles. To keep the fraud scheme going, Pophal also used new investor money to make “lulling payments” to previous investors to make it appear as though those investors were earning investment returns.

The charges against Pophal are a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in a criminal complaint or indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Xa Xiong, 32, St. Paul, Minnesota, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Xiong pled guilty to this charge on February 21, 2025.

In July 2024, investigators received information from a confidential source that a large quantity of methamphetamine was being stored inside a storage unit in Eau Claire. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the storage unit and found a backpack with about six pounds of methamphetamine inside, ultimately linked to Xiong. On July 26, 2024, Xiong sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine to an undercover police officer in Menomonie, Wisconsin. A week later, Xiong met up with the same undercover officer to sell the officer two pounds of methamphetamine and Xiong was arrested during the attempted delivery.

At Xiong’s sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern over the large quantity of drugs the defendant was distributing. Judge Conley remarked that it was far beyond what was necessary to support a personal drug habit.

The charges against Xiong were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Levins prosecuted the case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Craig Daskam, 69, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to four years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This prison term will be followed by ten years of supervised release.  In addition to these penalties, Daskam was ordered to pay $22,000 in assessments to funds that support victims of child exploitation crimes. Daskam pleaded guilty to this offense on March 19, 2025.

In 2023, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in Madison, Wisconsin, received a report from FBI-Charlotte that Daskam had received child pornography. The FBI ultimately searched Daskam’s residence and seized multiple electronic devices. Agents searched Daskam’s phone and found numerous child pornography images and videos.

In sentencing Daskam, Judge Peterson expressed concern that Daskam’s conduct was driven by a dangerous impulse that Daskam doesn’t understand and can’t control.   

The charge against Daskam was the result of an investigation conducted by FBI Madison, FBI Charlotte, and the Beloit Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg prosecuted this case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua L. Lake, 32, Stratford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 11 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute over 500 grams of methamphetamine and possessing a firearm as a felon. This prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Lake pleaded guilty to these charges on February 26, 2025.

In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals, led by Lake, who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area.

On February 26, 2024, Lake sold 118 grams of methamphetamine to a confidential informant at Lake’s residence in Stratford, Wisconsin. Other co-defendants completed additional controlled purchases of methamphetamine in March and April 2024. On April 15, 2024, Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force officers executed a search warrant at Lake’s residence. Officers found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2 rifles, over $25,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

Further investigation revealed that between January 22, 2024, and April 15, 2024, Lake distributed approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Lake also delivered a firearm to a drug cartel contact in exchange for drugs. Lake admitted receiving the firearm in exchange for methamphetamine. Lake is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm due to prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley described Lake’s conduct, including his drug trafficking and involvement with firearms, as egregious and said the quantity of almost pure methamphetamine found at his residence was stunning.

Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Dustin Brunker was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison on April 24, 2025. Jessica Colby was convicted of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and sentenced to 2 ½ years in federal prison on May 1, 2025.

The charges against Lake were the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach 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, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Arminius D. Jones, 49, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 87 months in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution. Jones pleaded guilty to these charges on March 21, 2025.

Between May 15, 2024, and July 1, 2024, Jones sold fentanyl pills to an undercover police officer in Madison, Wisconsin, on three occasions. On July 9, 2024, police searched his home in Madison and found approximately 7,000 fentanyl pills, money from Jones’s sales to the undercover officer, over $2,000 in additional cash, and multiple digital scales and drug ledgers. Police also found a handgun, a loaded extended magazine, and multiple boxes of ammunition within arm’s reach of the drugs.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson found that the level of drug dealing Jones engaged in surpassed supporting a substance abuse habit.  He also found the gap in Jones’s criminal history exposed his vulnerability to returning to crime even after a long time. Judge Peterson was also very concerned about the dangers posed from dealing fentanyl in terms of its potential for addiction and overdose, and he expressed disappointment in the way Jones fed on the illnesses of others. Jones’s possession of a gun was an aggravating factor and showed he was aware of the potential for violence and that violence is a natural corollary when a gun is present.

The charges against Jones were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force, City of Madison Police Department, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Efrain Estrada, 31, Onalaska, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 132 months in federal prison for possessing 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution and possessing firearms as a felon. Estrada pleaded guilty to these charges on March 13, 2025.

On July 22, 2024, law enforcement found approximately 5,000 fentanyl pills and 3,000 methamphetamine pills in a package mailed from Houston, Texas, to La Crosse, Wisconsin. On July 25, 2024, after replacing the pills with candy, agents conducted a controlled delivery to the recipient address and arrested the person who retrieved the package. Upon arrest, the person told agents that the package was meant for Estrada and agreed to conduct a controlled delivery to Estrada’s house in Onalaska, Wisconsin. The person then delivered the package to Estrada and agents arrested him as he left his house.

Law enforcement then searched Estrada’s house and found another 2,800 fentanyl pills, approximately 1,000 pills containing other controlled substances, and more than 600 grams of methamphetamine. Law enforcement also found 10 firearms and ammunition of varying caliber in various locations throughout the house, some containing loaded high-capacity magazines. One firearm was a short-barreled rifle, and 2 other firearms were sawed-off shotguns with scratched off serial numbers. Some of the drugs and guns were found in a hidden compartment of a coffee table accessible only through a key card found in Estrada’s dresser.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson acknowledged Estrada inherited a mature drug operation from a deceased relative, but Estrada was not an amateur and did not simply fall into drug trafficking. He said Estrada not only stepped into it but embraced it, and it constituted a very destructive financial shortcut for him. Estrada was not a low-level actor in someone else’s organization caught with a large quantity of drugs – this was Estrada’s organization for which he was fully accountable. Judge Peterson also observed that Estrada possessed a mini arsenal of firearms that had no purpose other than to protect his drug operation and that the result would have been catastrophic if he had used the firearms for that purpose.

The charges against Estrada were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Wisconsin Department of Justice-Division of Criminal Investigation, La Crosse Sheriff’s Office, La Crosse Police Department, Madison Police Department, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven Ayala and David Reinhard prosecuted this case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Toudeng Thao, 59, La Crosse, Wisconsin was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 90 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine for distribution. Thao pleaded guilty to these charges on March 3, 2025.

On January 25, 2024, law enforcement arrested both Thao and codefendant Joua Thao during a traffic stop as they returned to La Crosse, Wisconsin, from Minnesota after picking up approximately 443 grams of methamphetamine for distribution. Thao and Joua Thao were previously married but were divorced at the time of the arrest. In the six months before his arrest, Thao distributed or possessed for distribution over 5 ½ kilograms of methamphetamine. Thao claimed to have received methamphetamine from multiple sources in Minnesota, California, Canada, and Mexico. He also claimed he supplied six drug distributors. Through a series of controlled purchases, Thao and Joua Thao sold a confidential informant a total of 203.9 grams of methamphetamine in La Crosse. Thao also possessed a firearm during one drug transaction and sought more firearms to traffic to his drug suppliers.

At sentencing, Judge Conley said he was struck by Thao’s statements rationalizing his turn to drug trafficking and found Thao’s minimal criminal history to be puzzling at best given his violent characteristics. Judge Conley noted Thao’s substantial drug dealing was serious enough on its own, but his involvement with firearms, threats of violence, and history of violence against his codefendant and family made him a serious risk to the community.

Joua Thao also pleaded guilty and on March 20, 2025, Judge Conley sentenced her to 5 years of probation for her role in assisting with the drug transactions.

The charges against Toudeng and Joua Thao were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice – Division of Criminal Investigation, Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, Prairie du Chien Police Department, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, Campbell Police Department, La Crosse Police Department, Onalaska Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Anderson Jr., 34, Rice Lake, Wisconsin was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 ½ years in prison  for possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution. The term of imprisonment will be followed by 7 ½ years of supervised release. Anderson pleaded guilty to this charge today.

In April of 2024, law enforcement used a confidential informant to conduct two controlled buys of methamphetamine from Anderson. After the two controlled buys, law enforcement searched Anderson’s home and seized over 200 grams of methamphetamine prepackaged for distribution in different quantities.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson emphasized the seriousness of Anderson’s crime. Judge Peterson balanced Anderson’s conduct and criminal history with his difficult upbringing and periods of Anderson’s life when he was law abiding.

The charges against Anderson were the result of an investigation conducted by the Barron County Sheriff’s Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak prosecuted this case. 

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 a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

MINOCQUA MAN CHARGED WITH WIRE FRAUD AND MONEY LAUNDERING

Cory Kromray, 39, Minocqua, Wisconsin, is charged with eight counts of wire fraud and two counts of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity. The indictment alleges that between September 2018 and April 2025, Kromray accepted money from investors and promised to use their funds to trade stocks, mutual funds, cryptocurrency, and foreign currency exchange market, for the benefit of the investor. However, the indictment alleges that Kromray failed to invest the money as promised and he used the majority of the money for his own purposes.

If convicted, Kromray faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire fraud charges. Kromray faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on the charges of engaging in monetary transactions in property derived from specified unlawful activity.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the case.

MADISON MAN CHARGED WITH TRAFFICKING COCAINE AND HEROIN

Timothy Clark, 62, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine and heroin and possessing cocaine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that from February 28, 2025, to April 2, 2025, Clark distributed cocaine and heroin, and on April 24, 2025, he possessed cocaine and cocaine base intended for distribution. The indictment additionally alleges Clark used a premises in Madison for the purpose of distributing drugs from February 28, 2025, to April 24, 2025.

If convicted, Clark faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, which consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case.

SUN PRAIRIE MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARM

Kordarow Moore, 35, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that on September 22, 2024, Moore, knowing he had previously been convicted of an offense punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year, knowingly possessed a loaded Century Arms 39mm pistol.

If convicted, Moore faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin State Patrol, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, with assistance from the  Jefferson County District Attorney’s Office. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the investigation. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard is handling the case.

This case is part of Operation Take Back America a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

BELOIT MAN CHARGED WITH TAKING UNDELIVERED MAIL

Cale Tinder, 36, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with detaining and opening U.S. mail while employed as a U.S. Postal Service employee. The indictment alleges that Tinder took letters, cards and items sent through the mail that he was entrusted to deliver, opening some of the items and storing the undelivered mail at his home in Beloit. The indictment alleges that Tinder engaged in this activity from on or about February 8, 2024, to August 28, 2024.

If convicted, Tinder faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Jonathan E. Conley, 43, Madison, Wisconsin, with distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and possessing methamphetamine and fentanyl for distribution.

The indictment alleges that on October 24, 2023, Conley distributed fentanyl and more than 50 grams of methamphetamine. The indictment further alleges that on February 7, 2024, Conley possessed more than 50 grams of methamphetamine and more than 40 grams of fentanyl, both for distribution. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on April 2, 2025.

Conley was arrested yesterday in Dane County, Wisconsin and made his initial appearance in federal court today. He was detained pending a detention hearing on Friday May 9.

If convicted of the charges involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine or 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Conley faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the other charge, Conley faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, New Lisbon Police Department, and Wisconsin State Patrol. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Curtis White III, 21, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  White pleaded guilty to the firearm charge on February 13, 2025.

On September 30, 2024, police in Fitchburg, Wisconsin, received a telephone call from a person who reported that White was in possession of a gun. Officers responded to the caller’s apartment complex in Fitchburg and immediately searched the area around the apartment complex for White. Officers found him a few blocks away.

After he was arrested, White admitted that he possessed a firearm when he approached the caller’s apartment and that his fingerprints would be on the gun. White further stated that he wrapped up the firearm in a sweatshirt and falsely claimed he tossed it in the vicinity of Williamsburg Way and Whitney Way in Fitchburg.

The following day, October 1, 2024, officers reviewed White’s jail calls and heard him provide a person with directions on where to find the firearm.  Based on his directions, officers found a loaded black Sarsilmaz 9mm handgun wrapped in a black sweatshirt in a stairwell in the basement of an apartment building in Fitchburg.

At the time of his offense, White had previously been convicted of eight felony offenses in Dane County, including burglary and bail jumping.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that White was a very dangerous person who had displayed an “unrelenting pattern” of criminal behavior.  Judge Peterson noted that White made his situation worse by lying to officers about the firearm’s location after he was arrested and recently assaulting two inmates while in jail awaiting sentencing.  Judge Peterson concluded that a 4-year sentence was necessary to protect the public from White’s violent and unpredictable conduct.

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.

The charge against White was the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner prosecuted the case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jessica L. Colby, 29, Stratford, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 30 months in federal prison for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine. This prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Colby pleaded guilty to this charge on January 31, 2025.

In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area. Colby was identified as a facilitator for the group.

Following a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving other co-defendants in March and April 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant a residence that Colby shared with co-defendant Joshua Lake. Officers found approximately 2 kilograms of methamphetamine, 1 kilogram of cocaine, 2 rifles, over $24,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

Further investigation revealed that between January 22, 2024, and April 15, 2024, Colby assisted in the distribution of approximately 23 kilograms of methamphetamine and 6 kilograms of cocaine. Colby assisted by picking up and delivering bulk shipments of drugs – at times on her own, as well as making payments to the cartel-connected sources of supply. In addition, Colby admitted to having her own drug customers.

At sentencing, Judge Conley weighed the severity of Colby’s conduct, including the large quantities of drugs involved and her active role in the conspiracy, against her lack of a prior criminal record and her extraordinary conduct while on pretrial release.

Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Dustin Brunker was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 7 years in federal prison on April 24, 2025. Joshua Lake has pleaded guilty and is scheduled to be sentenced on June 4, 2025.

The charge against Colby 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, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Rafael Cruz-Hernandez, 39, a citizen of Mexico found in Monroe County, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 months in prison for illegally reentering the United States after having previously been removed.  Cruz-Hernandez pleaded guilty to this charge on February 25, 2025.

On December 23, 2023, Cruz-Hernandez was arrested in Monroe County, Wisconsin for a domestic abuse offense. This was his second arrest for a domestic offense. He was originally removed from the United States in 2010, following a conviction for third degree sexual assault.

In choosing an 8-month sentence, Judge Conley considered Cruz-Hernandez’s criminal history and his recent domestic arrests and injunction, along with Cruz-Hernandez’s consistent employment and the outpouring support from his family and friends. Judge Conley noted that he lacks the authority to release Cruz-Hernandez into the community and that he poses a risk of unlawfully returning to the United States. Judge Conley advised him that should he return, he could face higher penalties.

The charge against Cruz-Hernandez was the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Removal Operations (ERO) and the Sparta Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Dustin P. Brunker, 37, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Brunker pleaded guilty to this charge on January 28, 2025.

In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine and cocaine in the Marathon County area. Brunker was identified as a distributor for the group.

Following a series of controlled purchases of methamphetamine involving Brunker in March and April of 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant at a residence that Brunker shared with co-defendant Mercadys A. Perkins in Weston. Officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search.

Further investigation revealed that between February 18, 2024, and April 12, 2024, a co-conspirator provided Brunker and Perkins approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 ounces of cocaine intended for further distribution.

At the time of these events, Brunker was serving a term of state supervision for two felony cases and out on state bond for a felony drug charge. His state supervision was revoked, and he was sentenced to a total of 3 years in state prison, which he is currently serving. Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence run concurrently with the remainder of Brunker’s state prison sentences.

At sentencing, Judge Conley called Brunker’s large quantity methamphetamine trafficking egregious. Judge Conley further observed that while Brunker had a lengthy prior record, the conduct in the present case showed an escalation in criminality.

Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Mercadys Perkins was convicted of conspiracy to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and sentenced to 6 years in federal prison on April 17, 2025. Joshua Lake and Jessica Colby have pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

The charge against Brunker 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, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments yesterday. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation, and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

WAUSAU MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSING FENTANYL AND METHAMPHETAMINE FOR DISTRIBUTION

Christopher Harter, 49, Wausau, Wisconsin is charged in a two-count indictment with possessing fentanyl and methamphetamine for distribution. The indictment alleges that on March 7, 2025, Harter possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.

If convicted, Harter faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each count.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of agents from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the case.

JACKSON COUNTY MAN CHARGED WITH POSSESSING METHAMPHETAMINE FOR DISTRIBUTION

Elvin Amundson, 39, Sparta, Wisconsin is charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine for distribution.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on April 14, 2021.

If convicted, Amundson faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life.

The charge against Amundson is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

ROTHSCHILD MAN CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING A FIREARM

Edward L. Jackson III, 28, Rothschild, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that on May 20, 2024, Jackson possessed a loaded Sig Sauer pistol. If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in prison.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Wausau Police Department, the Wausau Police Department’s Community Resource Unit, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force (CWNTF), with assistance from the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force and the Marathon County District Attorney’s Office. The CWNTF is comprised of agents from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Metro Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the case.

MEXICAN CITIZEN FOUND IN EAU CLAIRE CHARGED WITH ILLEGALLY REENTERING UNITED STATES

Mario Govea-Monarca, 23, a citizen of Mexico found in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with reentering the United States after having been previously removed. The indictment alleges that on November 29, 2023, Govea-Monarca was found in the Western District of Wisconsin after having previously been removed and without having obtained the express consent of the United States Attorney General or the Secretary of Homeland Security to reapply for admission to the United States.

If convicted, Govea-Monarca faces a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.

All cases involving illegal immigration and firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

An indictment was unsealed today in Madison, Wisconsin charging a Wisconsin man with seven counts of forced labor, conspiracy to commit forced labor, and seven counts of alien harboring for private financial gain; the indictment further charged the man’s wife with seven counts of forced labor and conspiracy to commit forced labor.

According to the indictment, between September 2015 and March 2018, Luis Abreu, 50, and his wife, Cybell Abreu, 50, used threats of serious harm and abuse of the law and legal process to coerce seven minor males and young men to perform labor and services. The indictment further alleges that Luis Abreu harbored the seven boys and young men, who he knew or recklessly disregarded to be unlawfully present in the United States.

The defendants made their initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Wisconsin on April 21. The charge of forced labor carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison, up to five years of supervised release, and a fine of up to $250,000. The charge of alien harboring carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison when done for the purpose of commercial advantage or private financial gain. Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Harmeet K. Dhillon of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin, and Homeland Security Investigations Resident Agent in Charge Eric Rice of the HSI Milwaukee Office made the announcement.

The HSI Milwaukee Office of the Resident Agent in Charge conducted the investigation.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger for the Western District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Slava Kuperstein of the Civil Rights Division’s Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit are prosecuting the case.

If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Mercadys A. Perkins, 32, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Perkins pleaded guilty to this charge on January 21, 2025.

In early 2024, investigators with the Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force began investigating a group of individuals who were distributing large quantities of methamphetamine in the Marathon County area. Perkins was identified as a distributor for the group.

In March and April of 2024, Perkins sold methamphetamine three times to an informant, the largest sale being 230 grams. On April 16, 2024, task force officers executed a search warrant at Perkins’s residence in Weston. Officers found over 300 grams of methamphetamine, over $2,000 in cash, drug ledgers, and other drug trafficking paraphernalia during the search. Perkins later admitted to trafficking large quantities of methamphetamine.

Further investigation revealed that between February 18, 2024, and April 12, 2024, a co-conspirator provided Perkins and another individual approximately 16 pounds of methamphetamine and 6 ounces of cocaine intended for further distribution.

At the time of these events, Perkins was serving a term of state probation for a methamphetamine possession conviction and was out on bond on four open state cases, three of which involved methamphetamine trafficking. Her state probation was revoked, and she was sentenced to 2 years in state prison, which she is currently serving. Judge Conley ordered the federal sentence to run concurrently with the remainder of Perkins’ state prison sentence.

At sentencing, Judge Conley said Perkins participated with her co-defendants to distribute significant quantities of methamphetamine in an around Marathon County. He said he weighed this serious conduct against some mitigating factors including her profound drug addiction.

Three others were charged in connection with this drug trafficking conspiracy. Co-defendants Joshua Lake, Jessica Colby, and Dustin Brunker have all pleaded guilty and are scheduled to be sentenced in the coming weeks.

The charge against Perkins 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, Wisconsin State Patrol, Wisconsin Department of Criminal Investigation, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and the Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The Marathon County District Attorney’s Office also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Corey Hobbs, 39, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 110 months in federal prison for distributing methamphetamine. Hobbs pleaded guilty to this charge on January 7, 2025.

In November and December 2023, Hobbs sold methamphetamine to a confidential informant on three occasions. During the largest buy on December 6, 2023, Hobbs sold 261.09 grams of methamphetamine to the informant. Officers arrested Hobbs on December 31, 2023, and when they searched him and his vehicle, they found $10,610 in cash.                                                      

At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted Hobbs’s lengthy criminal history, saying it showed a “sustained pattern of drug dealing.” Judge Peterson also emphasized the pounds of methamphetamine attributed to Hobbs as relevant conduct.

The charges against Hobbs were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force, the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jennifer Remington and Colleen Lennon prosecuted this case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Patrick Bishop, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 63 months in federal prison for possessing 100 grams or more of heroin intended for distribution and possessing a firearm as a felon. Bishop pleaded guilty to these charges on February 10, 2025.

On July 31, 2024, while fleeing from police, Bishop broke into an occupied apartment and climbed onto the roof of the apartment complex. He remained on that roof for over an hour in a standoff with law enforcement until he ultimately agreed to come down.

Bishop was observed carrying and rummaging through a bag. Law enforcement searched the bag and found two large baggies with approximately 169.4 grams of heroin, $28,000 in currency, a baggie with 18 bindles of heroin, and 5 bindles of cocaine.  The bag also contained a loaded Glock 23 .40 caliber handgun with a 22-round extended magazine and a machinegun conversion device.

About an inch-long, a machine gun conversion device is an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic firearm into a fully functioning machinegun. A firearm equipped with a machinegun conversion device is extremely dangerous, even for experienced firearms users, because it is difficult to control and is capable of firing 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger.

Bishop is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition due a prior felony conviction.

At sentencing, Judge Conley remarked on the seriousness of the offense and on the dangerousness of selling drugs with an automatic weapon.

The charges against Bishop were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon 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.

MADISON, WIS. – After a two-day jury trial, Malcolm Whiteside, 30, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was found guilty yesterday of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon. The jury reached a verdict after just over 30 minutes of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

On August 12, 2024, Whiteside led police on a dangerous high-speed chase on a Madison highway and ultimately crashed the car he was driving into a semi-truck. From there, Whiteside fled on foot to the parking lot of a home improvement store, where a police officer found him hiding in a garden shed. Officers at the crash scene searched the vehicle Whiteside was driving and found a loaded firearm underneath the driver’s floormat. Later, an analyst from the Wisconsin State Crime Lab found Whiteside’s DNA on multiple locations on the firearm. Whiteside was previously convicted of illegally possessing a firearm as a felon in 2019.

Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson scheduled sentencing for June 25. Whiteside faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

The case was investigated by the City of Monona Police Department, Madison Police Department, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chadwick M. Elgersma and Collen Lennon. 

MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Timothy M. O’Shea, is joining with the U.S. Department of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime, in recognizing National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, April 6-12, 2025.

This year’s theme, Kinship, recognizes that shared humanity drives vital connections to services, rights, and healing. Kinship is where victim advocacy begins.

This annual observance challenges us to build a world where every connection built through kinship holds the potential to heal. It asks us to ensure that resources are available to all survivors and that we show up for one another with empathy and intention.

National Crime Victims’ Rights week was established in 1981 to bring greater sensitivity to the needs and rights of victims of crime. The week is an opportunity “to reflect on the importance of making the justice system work for survivors of crime,” said U.S. Attorney O’Shea. “Many people think justice is only a conviction or an arrest, but for survivors, justice means being heard, treated with dignity and respect, and restored to the degree that goal can be achieved through restitution, treatment, and other remedies. My office will continue to strive to honor the voices of crime victims throughout all stages of federal criminal prosecutions.”

U.S. Attorney O’Shea also praised the work of those in law enforcement and in the larger community who support crime victims, “being a crime victim can have lifelong impacts on an individual’s mental and physical health. Providing emotional support and other assistance to crime victims is an invaluable part of providing justice and I applaud those who do this important work.”

More information about Crime Victims’ Rights Week can be found at: https://ovc.ojp.gov/program/national-crime-victims-rights-week/overview.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew Quaglieri, 37, formerly of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 14 years in prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 25 years of supervised release. Quaglieri pleaded guilty to this charge on January 13, 2025.

In October 2022, law enforcement responded to a middle school in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, regarding a complaint that Quaglieri was recording students as they were using the urinals in the school bathrooms. Agents searched Quaglieri’s iPad and found videos of at least 39 minors using the urinals. Quaglieri admitted that he had been recording boys in the school bathrooms at the middle school for four to five years.

At sentencing, Judge Conley characterized Quaglieri’s conduct as predatory and abhorrent and further found it was a profound violation of Quaglieri’s position of trust at the school. Judge Conley also found that nothing Quaglieri said at sentencing showed that Quaglieri had an understanding about his conduct.

The charge against Quaglieri was the result of an investigation conducted by the Sun Prairie Police Department and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Louis Glinzak and Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood (PSC), a nationwide initiative to combat child sexual exploitation and abuse. Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to better locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children via the Internet, as well as to identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Angel Flores, 31, Portage, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 12 years in federal prison for attempting to possess more than 500 grams of cocaine for distribution. Flores pleaded guilty to this charge on December 18, 2024.  Juan Ojeda, 31, West Allis, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Judge Peterson to one year in federal prison for possessing cocaine intended for distribution. Ojeda pleaded guilty to this charge on December 16, 2024.

In late 2022, agents with the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began investigating a large cocaine and methamphetamine trafficking organization operating in the Western District of Wisconsin. During the investigation, agents intercepted communications between Flores and his California supplier of cocaine and methamphetamine. Investigators determined that Flores was obtaining multiple kilograms of cocaine and large amounts of methamphetamine and selling it throughout the Western District of Wisconsin, including Madison, Portage, and La Crosse.

In January 2023, co-defendant Juan Ojeda travelled to Chicago at the direction of Flores to meet with a courier sent by the California supplier. Ojeda received 12 kilograms of cocaine in that meeting and transported it back to Wisconsin. In February 2023, intercepted phone communications resulted in the interception of a load of cocaine as it travelled through Arizona on its way to Illinois, where Flores arranged to receive three kilograms from the shipment.

In sentencing Flores, Judge Peterson expressed concern about the large quantity and geographic scope of the trafficking organization led by Flores, observing that he brought multiple kilograms of cocaine into Wisconsin on a continuing basis over a long period of time, with distribution spanning nearly two-thirds of the state. Judge Peterson indicated that the 12-year sentence for Flores’s leadership role in “some of the highest level of dealing in this district” was intended to convey that drug trafficking in this volume will not be tolerated.

In sentencing Ojeda, Judge Peterson imposed a one-year sentence after observing that Ojeda had a limited role in the trafficking organization, no significant criminal history, and withdrawn from participation in the organization before police intervened.

In March 2025, Judge Peterson sentenced four other defendants for their roles in aiding Flores’s drug trafficking organization. Judge Peterson sentenced Braulio Martinez-Salazar to 3 years; Luis Angel Rios to 9 years; David Junius to 7 years; and Justin Purdy to 8 years.

The charges in this case were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Robert Anderson and William M. Levins prosecuted this case.

The investigation was conducted and funded by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force (OCDETF), a multi-agency task force that coordinates long-term narcotics trafficking investigations.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eli Torres-Banos, 37, a citizen of Mexico, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 51 months in federal prison for possessing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine intended for distribution. Torres-Banos pleaded guilty to this charge on January 14, 2025.

In late November 2023, Torres-Banos was indicted for illegally reentering the United States after deportation or removal, and a warrant was issued for his arrest. On December 6, 2023, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials arrested Torres-Banos in Ixonia, Wisconsin. Torres-Banos was in a car parked next to a blue Ford Explorer. During the transfer process to the U.S. Marshals that same day, Torres-Banos was allowed to make a phone call to a person he identified as his wife. During the call, an ICE agent overheard Torres-Banos tell the person in Spanish that drugs were in the trunk of a vehicle. The ICE agent immediately notified authorities in Jefferson County. Jefferson County Drug Task Force officers had observed Torres-Banos driving the blue Ford Explorer the day prior. Officers then searched the Explorer and found approximately 8 ½ kilograms of cocaine.

On June 4, 2024, Judge Peterson sentenced Torres-Banos to one year in federal prison on his conviction for illegal reentry.

At sentencing on the cocaine trafficking charge, Judge Peterson said this was a serious drug crime, involving a large quantity of cocaine, which arose from his arrest for another crime. Judge Peterson noted that Torres-Banos’ criminal history, which included a prior federal conviction for cocaine trafficking, was quite aggravating. However, Judge Peterson also recognized that Torres-Banos had already served a 12-month sentence on his illegal reentry conviction.

The charges against Torres-Banos were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, ICE, Jefferson County Drug Task Force, and the Watertown Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Steven C. Ayala prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictment today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Madison Man Charged With Distributing Methamphetamine

Rumont Kirkpatrick, 47, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that on January 9, 2024, Kirkpatrick distributed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. 

If convicted, Kirkpatrick faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the United States Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and Louis Glinzak are handling the case.