Western District of Wisconsin

MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Timothy M. O’Shea, announced today that the Justice Department will monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws in several areas of the Western District, including the Town of Lawrence, Town of Thornapple, and the City of Wausau.    

The Justice Department enforces federal voting rights laws that protect the rights of all eligible citizens to access the ballot. The department regularly deploys its staff to monitor for compliance with federal civil rights laws in elections in communities all across the country.

The Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division will coordinate the effort. Monitors will include Justice Department personnel, who will contact state and local election officials as needed throughout Election Day.

The Civil Rights Division’s Voting Section enforces the civil provisions of federal statutes that protect the right to vote, including the Voting Rights Act, National Voter Registration Act, Help America Vote Act, Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act and Civil Rights Acts. The division’s Disability Rights Section enforces the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) to ensure that persons with disabilities have a full and equal opportunity to vote. The division’s Criminal Section enforces federal criminal statutes that prohibit voter intimidation and voter suppression based on race, color, national origin, or religion.

On Election Day, Civil Rights Division personnel will be available all day to receive questions and complaints from the public related to possible violations of federal voting rights laws. Reports may be made through the department’s website www.civilrights.justice.gov or by calling toll-free at 800-253-3931. The U.S. Attorney’s Office will also be available while the polls are open to receive complaints on Election Day at 608-250-5488. 

Individuals with questions or complaints related to the ADA may call the department’s toll-free ADA information hotline at 800-514-0301 or 833-610-1264 (TTY) or submit a complaint through a link on the department’s ADA website at www.ada.gov.

Complaints related to any disruptions at a polling place should always be reported to local election officials (including officials based in the polling place). Complaints related to violence, threats of violence or intimidation at a polling place should be reported immediately to local police authorities by calling 911. These complaints should also be reported to the department after local authorities have been contacted.

More information about voting and elections, including guidance documents and other resources, is available at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about the Voting Rights Act and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section.

Complaints about possible violations of the federal voting rights laws can be made directly to the Civil Rights Division in Washington, DC by complaint form at https://civilrights.justice.gov/ or by phone at 800-253-3931.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Shawn Hignite, Sr., 50, Weston, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 3 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Hignite pleaded guilty to this charge on August 1, 2024.

On January 30, 2024, police responded to a domestic incident involving a gunshot. When they arrived, police made contact with Hignite, who initially denied there was a gunshot. Police later obtained a search warrant and located a loaded handgun inside the house and a spent shell casing in the backyard. Hignite later admitted that the gun belonged to him and that he fired it that night. Hignite is legally prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley acknowledged the dismal history of Hignite consuming alcohol and committing crimes. He noted that Hignite’s last 30 years have been plagued by poor decision making with either a fascination or compulsion with possessing firearms. Judge Conley expressed disappointment with the pattern of firearms being present in each of Hignite’s prior offenses. He also expressed hope that the sentence would deter Hignite from committing offenses in the future.

The charge against Hignite was the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Everest Metro Police Department, Rothschild Police Department, and Marathon County Sheriff’s Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also investigated the case. The task force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala 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 Tyez D. D. Boyd, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 3 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Boyd pleaded guilty to this charge on August 14, 2024.

On November 17, 2022, Madison Police Department officers stopped a vehicle in Madison on suspicion that its occupants were engaged in drug trafficking. Officers had intercepted a phone call earlier in the day between the front seat passenger, Davonte King, and a known fentanyl pill dealer setting up a drug deal. Tyez Boyd was a passenger in the rear seat.

Officers took King out of the vehicle and found he was in possession of fentanyl pills, cocaine, and over $1,000 in cash. Officers also found a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun under the front passenger seat where King had been seated. King is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of a prior felony conviction.

Officers searched Boyd after he got out of the vehicle and found a loaded Kahr .45 caliber handgun in his pocket. Boyd is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of multiple prior felony convictions. At the time of the stop, Boyd was on state probation for two cases, one involving a strangulation conviction and one involving a domestic violence conviction. Boyd also had three open criminal cases at the time, each of which involved acts of violence. Boyd had two active warrants for his arrest as well. His state probation has since been revoked and he was sentenced to 18 months in state prison on January 27, 2023.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson said Boyd’s possession of a firearm was dangerous by itself, especially when he was carrying it into a dangerous situation with a drug trafficker. Judge Peterson found Boyd’s case was aggravated by his criminal history, which included instances of domestic violence, as well as his history of noncompliance while on supervision. Finally, Judge Peterson said this crime deserved a 4-year sentence but reduced that sentence for time he had already served on his multiple state revocation sentences.

Co-defendant Davonte King pleaded guilty to possessing fentanyl intended for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and was sentenced by Judge Peterson on September 5, 2024, to 7 years in federal prison.

The charges against Boyd and King were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigations, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also investigated the case. The task force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. The Dane County District Attorney’s Office 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 Mario R. Aviles, 27, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced October 30, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 2 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine. That prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Aviles pleaded guilty to this charge on July 16, 2024.

The government’s investigation revealed that Hector Jimenez-Sosa was the leader of a methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking organization in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He received large quantities of controlled substances through the mail from his sources in California. Between August and October 2023, law enforcement officers purchased methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Jimenez-Sosa and his associates on multiple occasions using a confidential informant. The drug sales took place at two workshops operated by Jimenez-Sosa.

Aviles, Jimenez-Sosa’s nephew, was identified as an important member of Jimenez-Sosa’s organization. Aviles sold drugs himself and was also present when Jimenez-Sosa sold drugs. For example, on September 19, 2023, a confidential informant purchased 60 grams of methamphetamine and 20 fentanyl pills from Aviles at Jimenez-Sosa’s shops in Eau Claire. On October 3, 2023, the confidential informant purchased an additional 20 fentanyl pills from Aviles at one of Jimenez-Sosa’s shops. During that drug sale, the confidential informant and Aviles talked about the prior methamphetamine sale as well as a potential future deal for a larger quantity of methamphetamine.

On December 8, 2023, Jimenez-Sosa was arrested at his residence and Aviles was arrested at one of Jimenez-Sosa’s shops. Search warrants were executed at Jimenez-Sosa’s residence and shops. Officers located cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and drug trafficking supplies.

At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Aviles’ growing contribution to his uncle’s drug trafficking organization was significant and he arrived at the sentence after weighing Aviles’ conduct against his lack of prior criminal record among other mitigating factors.

Co-defendant Hector Jimenez-Sosa pleaded guilty to distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and was sentenced by Judge Conley on September 25, 2024, to 10 years in federal prison.

The charges against Aviles and Jimenez-Sosa were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Postal Inspection Service. The Eau Claire 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 Damon L. Clark, 26, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 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. Clark pleaded guilty to this charge on August 20, 2024.

On January 1, 2024, Eau Claire Police Officers were dispatched to a bar in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, for reports that someone pointed a firearm at another individual during a fight. Witness reports and video surveillance identified Clark as the individual who pointed the firearm. When law enforcement arrived, Clark fled to an adjacent parking lot. Law enforcement arrested Clark and located a loaded Glock 19 handgun with a 31-round magazine under a nearby vehicle. The handgun had a machinegun conversion device installed, which is an illegal, after-market attachment that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a machinegun.  With the attachment, a handgun is capable of firing approximately 50 rounds in four seconds with a single pull of the trigger. The Wisconsin State Crime Lab confirmed Clark’s DNA was present on the firearm. Clark is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley characterized Clark’s behavior as disastrous and emphasized the danger that he posed by pointing a fully loaded machinegun with extended magazine at someone outside a bar with other patrons present. Judge Conley balanced the extremely aggravated nature of this offense with Clark’s lack of prior prison experience. Judge Conley expressed his hope that this would be a turning point for Clark.

The charge against Clark was the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, Eau Claire Police Department, and UW-Eau Claire Police Department also assisted in this investigation.  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. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Robert E. Carter, 45, Eau Claire, Wisconsin was sentenced October 17, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to three years in prison for wire fraud and attempted wire fraud.  Carter was convicted of these charges on July 16, 2024, following a jury trial.

Carter’s fraud scheme started in 2018 when he feigned interest in purchasing a trucking company headquartered in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin. After telling elaborate lies about owning private jets and a personal yacht, Carter convinced the owners that he wanted to buy their trucking and brokerage companies for $10 million.  Carter then sent the owners a letter of intent that required them to provide Carter, under the guise of due diligence, with the companies’ sensitive business information, including financial statements. Carter eventually informed the companies’ owners that Carter needed to back out of the deal; however, he held on to the financial statements for two years.

In 2020, Carter intentionally changed the financial statements that he fraudulently obtained from the Fond du Lac-based companies and made it appear as if the documents belonged to Carter’s businesses. Carter then submitted the phony financial statements to an equipment leasing company so Carter could fraudulently obtain three semi-trucks and two trailers.

While defrauding the first leasing company, Carter simultaneously downloaded financial statements from the Internet that belonged to a charitable trust in Iowa.

Again, Carter intentionally changed these financial statements so the documents appeared to belong to Carter’s trust.  Carter then submitted the fake trust financial statements to a second equipment leasing company in an attempt to fraudulently lease ten more semi-trucks.

In sentencing Carter, Judge Conley highlighted Carter’s criminal history, which included prior convictions for fraud.

The charges against Carter were the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigations and the Federal Bureau of Investigation, with assistance provided by the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chadwick M. Elgersma and Megan R. Stelljes prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Timothy M. O’Shea, announced today that Assistant United States Attorney Chadwick Elgersma will lead the efforts of his Office in connection with the Justice Department’s nationwide Election Day Program for the upcoming November 5, 2024, general election.  AUSA Elgersma has been appointed to serve as the District Election Officer (DEO) for the Western District of Wisconsin, and in that capacity is responsible for overseeing the District’s handling of election day complaints of voting rights concerns, threats of violence to election officials or staff, and election fraud, in consultation with Justice Department Headquarters in Washington.

U.S. Attorney O’Shea said, “Every citizen must be able to vote without interference or discrimination and to have that vote counted in a fair and free election.  Similarly, election officials and staff must be able to serve without being subject to unlawful threats of violence. The Department of Justice will always work tirelessly to protect the integrity of the election process.”

The Department of Justice has an important role in deterring and combatting discrimination and intimidation at the polls, threats of violence directed at election officials and poll workers, and election fraud.  The Department will address these violations wherever they occur. The Department’s longstanding Election Day Program furthers these goals and also seeks to ensure public confidence in the electoral process by providing local points of contact within the Department for the public to report possible federal election law violations.

Federal law protects against such crimes as threatening violence against election officials or staff, intimidating or bribing voters, buying and selling votes, impersonating voters, altering vote tallies, stuffing ballot boxes, and marking ballots for voters against their wishes or without their input. It also contains special protections for the rights of voters, and provides that they can vote free from interference, including intimidation, and other acts designed to prevent or discourage people from voting or voting for the candidate of their choice. The Voting Rights Act protects the right of voters to mark their own ballot or to be assisted by a person of their choice (where voters need assistance because of disability or inability to read or write in English).   

Recognizing that voting is the “cornerstone of American democracy,” U.S.  Attorney O’Shea emphasized that, “we all must ensure that those who are entitled to vote can do so, and that those who seek to corrupt elections are brought to justice. It is important that anyone who has specific information about voting rights concerns or election fraud make that information available to the Department of Justice.”

In order to respond to complaints of voting rights concerns and election fraud during the upcoming election, and to ensure that such complaints are directed to the appropriate authorities, AUSA Elgersma will be on duty in this District while the polls are open. He can be reached by the public at the following telephone number: 608-250-5488.

In addition, the FBI will have special agents available in each field office and resident agency throughout the country to receive allegations of election fraud and other election abuses on election day. The local FBI field office can be reached by the public at 414-276-4684, option 7.

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.

Beloit Man Charged With Possessing Child Pornography

Jody Behlke, 49, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2023, Behlke possessed a Samsung Galaxy 8 Tab tablet containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that at least one of the depictions Behlke possessed involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.

The penalties for possessing child pornography vary depending upon an individual’s prior criminal history. If convicted, Behlke faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charge against Behlke is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, 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.

La Crosse Man and Woman Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine and Fentanyl for Distribution

Stephan J. Johnston, 27 and Ashley L. Russell, 31, both of La Crosse, Wisconsin, are charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and 40 grams or more of fentanyl, both drugs intended for distribution. The two are also charged with maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment alleges that Johnston and Russell possessed the methamphetamine and fentanyl on February 14, 2024. The indictment further alleges that from January 28, 2024 to February 14, 2024, they maintained a drug involved premises for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl.

If convicted of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution, Johnston and Russell each face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted of possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution, they each face a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison. The charge of maintaining a drug involved premises carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charges against Johnston and Russell are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, La Crosse Police Department, Crawford County Sherriff’s Office, and the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Katheryn Ginsberg is handling the case.

Eau Claire Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Xa Xiong, 31, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine and attempting to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Xiong distributed methamphetamine on July 26, 2024, and attempted to distribute methamphetamine on August 1, 2024.

If convicted of distributing 50 grams or more, Xiong faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of attempting to distribute 500 grams or more, he faces a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison.   

The charges against Xiong were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Clark County Sheriff’s Department. The case was also investigated by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Levins is handling the case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Damariyah Muhammad, 23, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, was sentenced on October 4, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 45 months 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.  Muhammad pleaded guilty to this charge on July 10, 2024.

On January 8, 2024, law enforcement sought to arrest Muhammad for charges related to a domestic disorderly conduct and hit and run. When detectives encountered Muhammad, he fled. He slipped in the snow and dropped a firearm, which law enforcement immediately recovered and identified as a loaded Glock 9mm handgun with a 31-round extended magazine. The Wisconsin State Crime Lab confirmed Muhammad’s DNA was present on the gun. Muhammad is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley considered Muhammad’s continued escalating criminal behavior, which has involved possession of high-capacity firearms and violent activity. The Judge noted that Muhammad has had chances to reflect and resources available, but he did not accept them and squandered those opportunities. The Judge urged Muhammad to use his time in custody to confront his past, to decide that this is his low point, and to stop his decent into the criminal lifestyle.

The charge against Muhammad was the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. 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. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Heather Carter, 50, Santa Monica, California, was sentenced August 22, 2024, by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 8 years in federal prison for attempting to possess methamphetamine intended for distribution. Carter pleaded guilty to this charge on March 14, 2024.

In January 2022, law enforcement officers received information that Carter regularly traveled to California to purchase methamphetamine and mailed the drugs back to Wisconsin for distribution.

On September 19, 2022, law enforcement learned that Carter was driving from California to Wisconsin. During the trip, Carter stopped at a post office in Washington, Utah, before continuing towards Wisconsin. An inspector with the United States Postal Inspection Service located the package that Carter had mailed from Utah, which was addressed to her residence in Coon Valley, Wisconsin. Investigators obtained a search warrant for the package and found that it contained cocaine, fentanyl, and 422 grams of methamphetamine.

On September 23, 2022, investigators removed the controlled substances and delivered the package to Carter at her Coon Valley address. Investigators arrested Carter after she took custody of the package.

In December 2022, while on federal pretrial release, Carter fled to California and a federal warrant was issued for her arrest. In August 2023, an officer from the University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) Police Department stopped Carter for a traffic violation and arrested her on the federal warrant. While searching Carter’s SUV, the UCLA police officer found fake identification documents, multiple license plates from various states, and approximately 800 grams of methamphetamine.   

In sentencing Carter, Judge Peterson explained that she was a mid-level dealer who sold a dangerous mix of drugs. Judge Peterson noted that Carter immediately returned to criminality when she absconded.   

The charge against Carter was the result of an investigation conducted by the Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Vernon County Sheriff’s Office, Coon Valley Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, United States Postal Inspection Service, UCLA Police Department, United States Marshals Service, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Gregory Vreeland, 55, Springbrook, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to one year and one day in federal prison for failure to pay employment taxes. Vreeland pleaded guilty to this charge on April 18, 2024. Vreeland paid $684,469 to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) in unpaid taxes prior to entering a guilty plea in the case.

Vreeland owns and operates Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad, Inc. (the Railroad) which provides recreational train ride experiences, as well as rail car storage and rail switching services.  Vreeland also co-owned and operated the Country House Motel and RV Park (the Motel) starting in August 2015. Both the Railroad and the Motel operated out of Spooner, Wisconsin.

The defendant served as the Railroad’s president and the Motel’s managing partner and was responsible for all aspects of the businesses, including among other things: signing checks, paying creditors, paying employees, signing and filing payroll taxes, making payroll tax deposits, and making banking deposits. Vreeland made the financial decisions for the Railroad and the Motel, including the filing of employment tax returns.

Vreeland failed to file employment tax forms for the Railroad from the fourth quarter of 2017 through all of 2021 and failed to pay over the associated employee withholdings for that same time period. Vreeland also failed to file employment tax forms for the Motel from the third quarter of 2015 through the third quarter of 2020 and failed to pay over the associated employee withholdings for that same time period. Vreeland used the employee withholdings to buy land and equipment to expand the Railroad’s operations, and to purchase a personal residence in Springbrook.     

Vreeland was aware of his obligation to file employment tax forms and pay employment taxes because from 2014 to mid-2016, he received civil notices from the IRS for non-payment, which he initially ignored. Vreeland made no attempt to cooperate with the IRS until it began levying bank accounts.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Peterson stated that Vreeland’s failure to pay employment taxes was a serious crime and was “part of a long-sustained pattern of criminal conduct.” Judge Peterson noted that the crime was aggravated by the fact that Vreeland had failed to pay over employment taxes from his businesses from 2014 - 2016 and then he engaged in the same conduct again starting in 2018. Judge Peterson also called Vreeland’s acts selfish and said the acts showed that Vreeland did not believe the tax laws applied to him.   

The charge against Vreeland was a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Hector A. Jimenez-Sosa, 40, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 10 years in federal prison for distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Jimenez-Sosa pleaded guilty to this charge on July 8, 2024.

The government’s investigation revealed that Jimenez-Sosa was the leader of a methamphetamine, fentanyl, and cocaine trafficking organization in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He received large quantities of controlled substances through the mail from his sources in California. Between August and October 2023, law enforcement officers purchased methamphetamine and fentanyl pills from Jimenez-Sosa and his associates on multiple occasions using a confidential informant. The drug sales took place at two workshops operated by Jimenez-Sosa. The final drug sale occurred on October 31, 2023, when Jimenez-Sosa sold approximately one pound of methamphetamine to the informant.

On December 8, 2023, Jimenez-Sosa was arrested, and search warrants were executed at his residence and workshops. Officers located cocaine, marijuana, ammunition, and drug trafficking supplies.

During this investigation and while running his drug trafficking organization, Jimenez-Sosa was out on bond and later convicted and placed on probation for a state felony domestic abuse conviction.

At sentencing, Judge Conley found that the total quantity of narcotics Jimenez-Sosa’s organization distributed in the Eau Claire area was significant. He noted that Jimenez-Sosa had an extensive arrest history that included convictions for drug trafficking, violence, and illegal weapons possession. Judge Conley said that Jimenez-Sosa’s drug trafficking was a dramatic escalation in conduct and “caused some real damage” to communities in the Eau Claire area.

Another individual, Mario R. Aviles, was charged in connection with this drug trafficking organization. Aviles pleaded guilty to distribution of fentanyl and methamphetamine on July 16, 2024, and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Conley on October 17, 2024.

The charges against Jimenez-Sosa and Aviles were the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and United States Postal Inspection Service. The Eau Claire 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 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 Illegally Possessing Firearm with Machine Gun Conversion Device

Jontrae M. Larsen, 22, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a firearm with a machine gun conversion device. The indictment alleges that Larsen possessed a Glock 17 handgun with a machine gun conversion device from November 22, 2023, through on or about January 6, 2024.

If convicted of the charge that he possessed a firearm as a felon, Larson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a 10-year maximum penalty.

A machine gun conversion device converts a handgun from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Machine gun conversion devices are illegal, as are any firearms with the devices.

The charges against Larsen are the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waunakee, Deforest, and Monona Police Departments also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the 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.

Minnesota Man Charged with Possessing Fentanyl and Heroin for Distribution

Ernest N.R. McCurty, 42, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that McCurty possessed the mixture on or about November 7, 2023.

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

The charge against McCurty is the result of an investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.

Black River Falls Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

Michael B. Kingsley, 43, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Kingsley possessed the methamphetamine on or about November 8, 2023.

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

The charge against Kingsley was the result of investigation by the Monroe County Sherriff’s Office and the Fort McCoy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the case. 

The Justice Department announced today that is has filed a complaint against the Town of Thornapple, Wisconsin, and the State of Wisconsin for violations of Section 301 of the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), which requires polling places to be equipped with at least one voting machine that is accessible to voters with disabilities during federal elections. The department also secured an agreement with the Town of Lawrence, Wisconsin, to resolve its complaint alleging HAVA violations.

“Our democracy works when voters with disabilities have the right to vote on the same terms as any other voter,” said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division. “By failing to offer accessible voting systems, Thornapple and Lawrence shirked their responsibilities under the Help America Vote Act to provide equal access to the ballot for all voters. We must ensure that all Wisconsin towns, and indeed all jurisdictions throughout our country, fulfill their duty to guarantee all voters equal access to the ballot. We commend Lawrence for working with the Justice Department to swiftly remedy this violation by taking simple action to ensure that federal elections are accessible to all eligible voters.” 

“Ensuring equal voting access to all citizens, including those voters with disabilities, is a priority of this office,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea for the Western District of Wisconsin. “We’re pleased that the representatives of the Town of Lawrence agreed to remedy the violations of federal law, and we will continue to work to protect and vindicate the voting rights of voters with disabilities in Wisconsin.”

Congress passed HAVA in 2002 in part to make in-person voting more accessible for voters with disabilities. Among other things, Section 301 of HAVA requires that each polling place used for federal elections provide at least one voting system that provides voters with disabilities the same opportunity for access and participation as other voters are provided, including the same opportunity to cast ballots privately and independently.

The complaint alleges that Thornapple and Lawrence violated HAVA by deliberately failing to make accessible voting machines available to voters in certain 2024 federal elections. Specifically, the department alleges that Thornapple violated Section 301 of HAVA by failing to make available at least one accessible voting machine during Wisconsin’s April 2 and Aug. 13 federal primary elections. It also alleges that Lawrence failed to provide an accessible voting machine during the April federal primary election. Both the Thornapple and Lawrence Town Boards voted in 2023 to stop using the accessible voting machines the towns had previously used. Thornapple has neither revisited nor reversed that decision. Lawrence reversed its decision on Sept. 9 as part of its agreement with the department. The complaint alleges that the State of Wisconsin did not ensure that every polling place within the state was accessible to voters with disabilities, as required by federal law. 

Under the department’s agreement with Lawrence, which is subject to court approval and was filed in conjunction with the complaint, Lawrence will make an accessible voting machine available at every polling place operated by the town in subsequent federal elections and will train its election and municipal staff on the operation of such equipment. The proposed consent decree resolves claims only against Lawrence; litigation against Thornapple and the state will proceed.

The department also filed a motion for immediate injunctive relief against the Town of Thornapple to remedy the violations of HAVA. Among other things, the department’s motion requests an order requiring Thornapple to ensure that, during the Nov. 5 federal general election, every Thornapple polling place has at least one accessible voting machine.

More information about voting and elections is available on the Justice Department’s website at www.justice.gov/voting. Learn more about HAVA and other federal voting laws at www.justice.gov/crt/voting-section. Complaints about possible violations of federal voting rights laws can be submitted through the Civil Rights Division’s website at civilrights.justice.gov or by telephone at 1-800-253-3931. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brandon Grazioso, 24, Evansville, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 47 months in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Grazioso pleaded guilty to this offense on July 11, 2024. 

In December 2021, law enforcement received information that Grazioso was posting explicit images onto Kik. Using that information, officers obtained a search warrant for the defendant’s home where they seized a phone that contained numerous images of child pornography. 

The defendant was previously arrested for and charged with possessing child pornography in Wisconsin state court in 2018 but entered into a deferred prosecution agreement. He was still under the terms of that agreement when he committed this federal offense. Separate from the federal sentence, Grazioso also received a prison sentence from the state for his violations of that agreement.    

At sentencing, Judge Conley expressed concern that Grazioso had not demonstrated much of an ability to stay away from child pornography but remained hopeful that the defendant could address his treatment needs. 

The charge against Grazioso was the result of an investigation conducted by Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Rock County Sheriff’s Department, and the Evansville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney 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 Dedonta J. Davis, 36, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 12, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 3 1/2 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. This will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Davis pleaded guilty to this charge on June 13, 2024.

On January 5, 2024, law enforcement arrested Davis on state charges related to an ongoing investigation into a shooting which occurred weeks prior outside a bar in Fitchburg, Wisconsin. Following that arrest, officers executed a search warrant at Davis’s apartment and found a loaded Remington 9mm handgun with an 18-round magazine. The Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory confirmed that Davis’s DNA was on the handgun. Davis is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of prior felony convictions.

At sentencing, Judge Conley said that Davis was modeling dangerous behavior by keeping a loaded firearm in his apartment, which increased the chance of him committing harm. Judge Conley also considered Davis’s admitted involvement in the recent shooting and his criminal history involving drugs and alcohol, as well as Davis’s efforts toward gainful employment in the community.

The charge against Davis was the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff’s Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Colleen Lennon and 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. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Ryan A. Campbell, 46, Levasy, Missouri, formerly of Amery, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 15 years in federal prison for possessing child pornography. This term of imprisonment will be followed by 20 years of supervised release. Campbell pleaded guilty to this charge on March 28, 2024. 

In September 2022, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children received a tip that Campbell was uploading child pornography. Law enforcement agents later searched a phone seized from Campbell and found child pornography, including images that Campbell himself produced. 

At sentencing, Judge Peterson questioned whether Campbell understood the seriousness of his actions and was concerned Campbell was deflecting blame for his actions on others. Judge Peterson determined that the 20-year period of supervised release was warranted because the defendant did not seem to accept responsibility for his actions and because he had an impulse toward sexual activity with children. 

The charge against Campbell was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman prosecuted this case. 

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, 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 Davonte F. King, 29, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced on September 5, 2024, by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to a total of 7 years in federal prison for possessing fentanyl intended for distribution and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The prison term will be followed by 6 years of supervised release. King pleaded guilty to these charges on June 27, 2024.

In October and November 2022, King was intercepted over a wiretap speaking with the leader of a drug trafficking organization in Madison who was selling cocaine and fentanyl pills which were designed to appear like commercially manufactured oxycodone pills. King was often ordering hundreds of fentanyl pills at a time and was believed to be distributing them in the Madison area.

On October 19, 2022, King and the drug source set up a deal for fentanyl pills. After they met in Madison, a Madison Police Department officer attempted to conduct a traffic stop on King’s vehicle, but he fled at a high rate of speed in a residential area and got away. After the flight, King called the drug source and said he could not stop because he was a felon with a firearm.

On November 17, 2022, King was again intercepted setting up a deal with his drug source for 100 fentanyl pills. Officers observed King enter the drug source’s business and exit after a short time. The vehicle King was in then stopped at a grocery store parking lot where two people made brief contact with the vehicle consistent with drug deals. The vehicle was pulled over shortly after leaving the parking lot. King was ultimately arrested, and a search of his person revealed baggies with fentanyl pills and cocaine, $1,383 in cash, and drug trafficking paraphernalia including multiple baggies and small rubber bands.

During a search of the vehicle, law enforcement located a Taurus 9mm handgun under the front passenger seat where King had been seated. The Taurus was loaded with a bullet in the chamber. King is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of a prior felony conviction.

At the time of these events, King was on state supervision for a 2016 second degree reckless endangering safety conviction and a 2021 domestic battery conviction. King’s supervision has since been revoked and he is currently serving a 25-month state prison revocation sentence. Judge Peterson ordered that the federal sentence run consecutive to the remainder of the revocation sentence.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson said that this case involved a serious drug trafficking offense, as cheap fentanyl pills are flooding into communities. Judge Peterson also found King’s history of firearms possession and violence to be aggravating factors.

The charges against King were the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted this case. 

This case is also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. 

MADISON, WIS. – U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, Timothy M. O’Shea, joins the U.S. Department of Justice, in recognizing Overdose Awareness Day, August 31, 2024.

While 2023 statistics are not yet available, the Wisconsin Department of Health Services reports that 1,828 persons died of a drug overdose in Wisconsin during 2022.[1]  That is more than double the number in 2015.  In addition, during 2022, there were 15,162 opioid related hospital encounters in Wisconsin.[2]  In Wisconsin, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were identified in 91% of all opioid overdose deaths and in 73% of all overdose deaths.[3] 

The attached table summarizes recent finished fentanyl prosecutions in U.S. District Court in the Western District of Wisconsin.  These cases illustrate the crucial, difficult work done by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and our law enforcement partners. 

“The fentanyl epidemic is devastating Wisconsin families and communities,” U.S. Attorney O’Shea said. “My office is committed to holding accountable those who traffic in this dangerous drug. We cannot, however, solve this epidemic through prosecutions alone. It is also critical that we continue our educational and outreach efforts with our law enforcement partners and with the community.” 

“Drug trafficking is anything but a victimless crime. If a fentanyl poisoning hasn’t personally affected your family or community, it soon will.” O’Shea continued, “That means we all share responsibility to fight the opioid crisis – a responsibility in awareness and prevention.”   

Key Points From the Wisconsin Department of Health Services[4]

• Fentanyl and similar synthetic opioids are more potent than other opioids and are driving the increase in overdose deaths.

• People who use multiple substances are at an increased risk for overdose.

• Fentanyl is found in all types of drugs including stimulants (cocaine and methamphetamine) and opioids. It is pressed into pills and mixed into other drugs. A person may think they are using one substance, but they are instead using a substance mixed with fentanyl. It is estimated that as many as 40 percent of counterfeit pills contain enough fentanyl to be lethal.

• Fentanyl is hard to detect. You can’t see it, taste it, or smell it. A tiny amount—as little as two grains of salt—is enough to kill someone.

• Fentanyl test strips are legal in Wisconsin and available for purchase. Fentanyl test strips are also distributed free at some pharmacies, service providers, and treatment centers. 

The Wisconsin Department of Health Services’ Dose of Reality initiative contains resources and information for drug users, parents, loved ones, educators, health care providers, and community members. People across Wisconsin are encouraged to learn more about the risks of fentanyl and how it is contributing to overdose deaths.

[1] https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/aoda/drug-overdose-deaths.htm 

[2] https://wish.wisconsin.gov/results/  

[3] https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/ph-advisory.htm 

[4] https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/opioids/ph-advisory.htm 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eric Upchurch, 36, Madison, Wisconsin was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 28 months in federal prison for wire fraud, making false statements to the Small Business Administration (SBA), and money laundering related to the Paycheck Protection Program. Upchurch was convicted of these charges on June 13, 2024, following a jury trial.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Act authorized the SBA to offer Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans to business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.     

Throughout 2020 and 2021, Upchurch submitted fraudulent PPP loan applications on behalf of several businesses, including:  Opportunity, Inc.; Economic Empowerment Wisconsin; One Red Feather; Madison Alliance for Black Economic Empowerment; Young, Gifted, and Black; and a sole proprietorship. 

In these PPP loan applications, Upchurch falsely claimed that his businesses earned hundreds of thousands of dollars in revenue, and paid employees tens of thousands of dollars in payroll per month.  Upchurch also provided lenders with forged payroll reports and tax forms to corroborate his false statements.  Evidence presented at trial proved that none of Upchurch’s companies formally employed anyone besides Upchurch, and none of the companies had the revenue necessary to cover the inflated claimed payroll. 

In total, Upchurch stole $406,211 and attempted to steal an additional $400,378 in PPP loan proceeds.  Upchurch also laundered a portion of his fraudulently obtained PPP funds when he purchased $19,000 worth of Bitcoin.

At sentencing, Judge Conley explained that Upchurch repeatedly lied on documents to fraudulently obtain PPP funds. Judge Conley also noted that, had the lenders not stopped Upchurch’s applications, the PPP would have incurred additional loss. 

This case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector general. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chadwick M. Elgersma and William M. Levins.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Thomas Demergian, 63, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 4 ½ years in federal prison for wire fraud and evading federal taxes. Demergian pleaded guilty to the charges on April 4, 2024. He was also ordered to pay restitution. Demergian will begin serving his prison term in September.

Beginning in 2000, Demergian convinced certain clients to invest money with him through “IRT Company.” He falsely told clients that he would invest their money with real estate trusts and mutual funds. In reality, once clients sent their money to Demergian, he diverted those funds to a bank account in his own name and spent the funds for his own use.

Demergian met with clients annually and provided them with fictitious Investment Portfolio Summary sheets reflecting positive growth. When clients asked him to liquate their investments, Demergian told clients that such a decision was imprudent or provide other untrue reasons why their requests could not be completed.

The fraud scheme was discovered in 2023 when a client’s family member began asking questions about the investments. Law enforcement agents eventually identified many victims who lost, in total, approximately $1.8 million. A financial investigation revealed that Demergian had used his clients’ investment funds for gambling, travel, cars, collectibles, and other personal expenses.

From 2017 to 2022, Demergian underreported his income on his tax returns by failing to disclose over $400,000 in illegally obtained income, thereby evading $104,779 in tax obligations.

As sentencing, Judge Conley said, “in terms of white-collar crime, this is the worst” because Demergian “cynically targeted elderly and vulnerable victims, many of whom he had also befriended.” Given the lengthy nature of the conduct, the amount of money stolen, and the tremendous breach of trust, Judge Conley determined that a significant sentence was warranted. Judge Conley did credit Demergian for ultimately helping investigators identify the total losses, but also noted that Demergian only did so after he knew he had already been “found out.” 

The charges against Demergian were the result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation, U.S. Department of Labor Employee Benefits Security Administration, and the Madison Police Department with assistance provided by the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions, Division of Securities. Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin handled the prosecution.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Angelica Mendoza Rubio, 48, a citizen of Mexico, with conspiring to launder proceeds of wire fraud. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 28, 2023.

Rubio was arrested yesterday at the airport in Atlanta, Georgia, and made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. She was detained pending her appearance on the charges in U.S. District Court, Madison, Wisconsin. 

If convicted, Rubio faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The charge is 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. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin is handling the prosecution.

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

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Curtis A. Alleyne, 40, Almond, Wisconsin was sentenced on August 23, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to a year and a day in federal prison for wire fraud and money laundering associated with a COVID-19 pandemic relief program.  Alleyne pleaded guilty to this charge on May 9, 2024.

On April 15, 2020, Alleyne submitted an Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) application to the Small Business Administration (SBA) for his business “Curtis A. Alleyne, Inc.”  Alleyne claimed the business earned gross revenue of over $500,000.  He also attached forged tax documents to corroborate information in his EIDL application.   Actual tax forms from the Internal Revenue Service revealed that Alleyne never filed the forged tax records that he submitted to the SBA. 

SBA approved Alleyne’s EIDL application and deposited $149,900 into his bank account.  Investigators analyzed Alleyne’s financial records and determined that Alleyne spent the illegally obtained EIDL funds on a Cadillac CT6 and other unapproved personal expenses.

In sentencing Alleyne, Judge Conley stressed the need to send a message of general deterrence to potential white-collar criminals, especially those who target government programs during a time of crisis.  

As part of the Pandemic Response Accountability Committee (PRAC) Task Force, this investigation was conducted by the U.S. Department of Commerce – Office of Inspector General and the Internal Revenue Service – Criminal Investigations.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick M. Elgersma prosecuted this case. 

The PRAC was established to promote transparency and facilitate coordinated oversight of the federal government’s COVID-19 pandemic response. The PRAC’s 20 member Inspectors General identify major risks that cross program and agency boundaries to detect fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement in the more than $5 trillion in COVID-19 spending, including spending via the Paycheck Protection Program, and EIDL program. This case was also supported by the PRAC’s Pandemic Analytics Center of Excellence, which applies the latest advances in analytic and forensic technologies to help OIGs and law enforcement pursue data-driven pandemic relief fraud investigations.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that John A. Maser, 35, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 months in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. Maser pleaded guilty to this charge on April 11, 2024. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release.

The government’s investigation revealed a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing over 4 kilograms of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona. Law enforcement began investigating the organization in January 2022, following the seizure of two mail packages that each contained one kilogram of fentanyl pills. The packages had been mailed by an individual in Arizona to addresses in Madison.

One of the packages was addressed to Maser’s residence. That package contained 1,075 grams of fentanyl pills (9,949 pills in total). On January 24, 2022, officers conducted a controlled delivery of the package at his residence. Maser was observed picking up the package. Officers then executed a search warrant at his residence. Maser told officers that he had agreed to accept the package for Deshawn Davis, who was his drug dealer.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Maser was responsible for the package addressed to his residence, which contained a significant quantity of fentanyl. Judge Peterson also said that the overall drug trafficking organization that Maser was involved with posed a serious danger to the community, and even minor participants like Maser needed to be held accountable. In arriving at a sentence, Judge Peterson weighed the seriousness of Maser’s actions with other factors including his lack of criminal record, his lesser role in the conspiracy, and his recovery efforts confronting his serious drug addiction.

Five other defendants involved in this fentanyl trafficking operation were charged in a separate indictment and have already been sentenced. Dejon C. Glover was sentenced on May 16, 2024, to 4 ½ years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. Lloyd M. McKire-Bennett was sentenced on May 17, 2024, to more than 13 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon. Deshawn P. Davis was sentenced on May 22, 2024, to 5 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Yoshi R. Walker was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 6 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Christopher S. Wilson was sentenced on July 29, 2024, to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Two others were charged in connection with this trafficking organization: Jessica E. Leyvas and Dantrell T. Stevenson. Leyvas has pleaded guilty, and her sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled. Stevenson’s case is scheduled for trial, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge against Maser was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, IRS Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. 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. 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 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.

State of Washington Man Charged with Possessing Destructive Devices

Eric Stubb, 69, Aberdeen, Washington, formerly of Wisconsin, is charged with possessing destructive devices. The indictment alleges that Stubb possessed the devices in the Western District of Wisconsin from approximately January 1, 2019, to February 1, 2023. 

If convicted, Stubb faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the case.

Onalaska Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes

Efrain Estrada, 30, Onalaska, Wisconsin, is charged in a seven-count indictment, with possessing and distributing fentanyl and methamphetamine, illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and maintaining a drug trafficking place.

The indictment alleges that on July 25, 2024, Estrada: (1) attempted to possess 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution; (2) distributed fentanyl; (3) possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution; (4) possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution; (5) possessed as a felon, five rifles, two shotguns, two handguns, and multiple types of ammunition; (6) possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes; and (7) maintained a drug trafficking place.

If convicted of the drug charges involving 400 or 500 grams, Estrada faces minimum penalties of 10 years and maximum penalties of life in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession of firearms charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. If convicted of the charge alleging that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, he faces a minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life, and the sentence imposed must run consecutively to any other prison term. Both the distribution charge and the maintaining a drug trafficking charge carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.

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 charges against Estrada are the result of an investigation by the United States  Postal Inspection Service, Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, La Crosse Sheriff’s Office, La Crosse Police Department, and the Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys David Reinhard and Steven Ayala are handling the case.

Madison Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms, Including Machinegun

Donald R. Spivey, Jr., 22, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing firearms as a felon and possessing a machinegun. The indictment alleges that Spivey possessed a loaded Glock 19 handgun and a loaded Glock 20 handgun on July 17, 2024. The indictment further alleges that the Glock 20 handgun that Spivey possessed had a machine gun conversion device. A machine gun conversion device is an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully functioning machinegun.

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

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 charges against Spivey are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

Janesville Man Charged with Fentanyl Trafficking

D'Angelo Chenoweth, 27, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing fentanyl. The indictment alleges that Chenoweth distributed fentanyl on February 15, 2024, and distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl on February 29, 2024.

If convicted of distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl, Chenoweth faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. The other distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

The charges against Chenoweth are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joseph P. Rehbein, 32, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Rehbein pleaded guilty to this charge on May 15, 2024.

On August 3, 2023, officers stopped a vehicle driven by Rehbein because it was reported stolen. After stopping, Rehbein got out of the car and ran, dropping a loaded 9mm handgun. During the short foot chase, Rehbein also tossed a bag containing methamphetamine before being arrested. Inside the car, officers found a large amount of methamphetamine inside a bag. In total, approximately 177 grams of methamphetamine was recovered. Rehbein is prohibited from legally possessing firearms or ammunition because he has multiple prior felony convictions. He was also on state probation at the time of this offense.

At the sentencing, Judge Peterson expressed concern that Rehbein engaged in drug trafficking while on state probation for similar 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 Rehbein was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Swartz, 59, Highland Park, Illinois, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 2 years in federal prison for wire fraud and assisting in the preparation of a false tax return. Swartz pleaded guilty to these charges on April 11, 2024. As part of his sentence, Swartz was ordered to pay $181,915 in restitution to Victim-1.    

Swartz, who worked as an unregistered investment advisor and fund manager, had a close personal relationship with Victim-1, who was a resident of Madison, Wisconsin. Beginning in January of 2009, Victim-1 made regular and periodic investments into Swartz’s investment fund with the understanding that Swartz was conservatively investing the money. Beginning in 2018, Swartz began misrepresenting the performance of the fund to Victim-1. For example, the fund lost approximately 23% of its value in 2018, but Swartz sent Victim-1 an email on December 31, 2018, stating that the fund had its “best year yet” and returned “NET almost 9% through November and only a 1.5% loss during December.” Despite the heavy losses to the fund, on January 29, 2019, Swartz emailed Victim-1 stating that the fund “had an incredibly great 2018” and was “solidly profitable for the year.”

When the fund lost a significant amount of its value in February 2020 due to a series of risky trades, Swartz again lied to Victim-1 about the fund’s performance and induced Victim-1 to invest an additional $150,000. On March 18, 2020, Swartz emailed Victim-1 a purported copy of a Charles Schwab account statement for the fund. Swartz had altered the statement to show that the total value of the fund on December 31, 2019, was $1,017,191, however, the actual value of the fund was $58.

On March 7, 2020, Swartz provided a false Schedule K-1 for tax year 2019 to Victim-1 that showed that Victim-1’s net short-term capital gains from his investment in the fund exceeded $500,000.  In fact, Swartz knew that Victim-1 did not have capital gains from the fund in 2019, because the fund incurred significant losses. Relying on the falsified document, on October 12, 2020, Victim-1 filed a U.S. Individual Income Tax Return Form 1040 for the 2019 tax year that substantially overreported Victim-1’s capital gains on Schedule D, Line 5. This caused Victim-1 to report owing an unjustified amount of federal income tax.

The charges against Swartz were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Christopher S. Wilson, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 4 years of supervised release. Wilson pleaded guilty to this charge on April 11, 2024.

The government’s investigation revealed a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing over 4 kilograms of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona. Law enforcement began investigating the organization in January 2022, following the seizure of two mail packages that each contained one kilogram of fentanyl pills (almost 20,000 pills in total). The packages had been mailed by the same individual in Arizona to addresses in Madison.

Between March and October 2022, undercover officers purchased fentanyl pills from members of the organization on twenty-three occasions in the Madison area. Wilson was involved in thirteen of those drug sales.

In October 2022, another mail package destined for members of the Madison drug organization was seized and found to contain 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl pills.

On November 28, 2022, law enforcement officers searched Wilson’s residence. In the home, officers found a loaded Glock .40 caliber handgun, over $5,000 in cash, and a small bag of fentanyl pills. In Wilson’s Jeep, officers found a loaded Glock 9mm handgun under the driver’s seat.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson said he was concerned about Wilson’s gun possession at the time he was also fentanyl dealing, which was an aggravating factor. 

Four co-defendants were previously sentenced by Judge Peterson for their roles in the fentanyl pill trafficking organization. Dejon C. Glover was sentenced on May 16, 2024, to 4 ½ years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. Lloyd M. McKire-Bennett was sentenced on May 17, 2024, to more than 13 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon. Deshawn P. Davis was sentenced on May 22, 2024, to 5 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl. Yoshi R. Walker was sentenced on July 24, 2024, to 6 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl.

Two others were charged in connection with this trafficking organization, Jessica E. Leyvas and Dantrell T. Stevenson. Leyvas has pleaded guilty and her sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled. Stevenson’s case is scheduled for trial, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge against Wilson was the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Dane County Narcotics Task Force. 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. 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 Yoshi R. Walker, 26, New Brighton, Minnesota, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 6 years in federal prison for attempting to distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Walker pleaded guilty to this charge on April 12, 2024.

The government’s investigation revealed a large-scale drug trafficking organization that was responsible for bringing over 4 kilograms of fentanyl pills into Madison from Arizona. Law enforcement began investigating the organization in January 2022, following the seizure of two mail packages that each contained one kilogram of fentanyl pills (almost 20,000 pills in total). The packages had been mailed by the same individual in Arizona to addresses in Madison. Between March and October 2022, undercover officers purchased fentanyl pills from members of the organization on twenty-three occasions in the Madison area.

In early October, Walker was identified as an out of state source of fentanyl pills for the Madison-based organization. On October 18, 2022, as part of the larger investigation, law enforcement agents intercepted a package mailed from Arizona to an address in Madison and obtained a search warrant to open the package. U.S. Postal inspectors found 1.75 kilograms of fentanyl pills (almost 16,000 pills) inside. Investigators identified Walker as the individual who had mailed the package from Arizona the day before. After the package was intercepted, Walker spoke with Lloyd McKire-Bennett, the leader of the Madison organization, about the lost drug shipment.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson highlighted that the crime was very serious as it involved a large quantity of a very dangerous drug, fentanyl. He said that Walker was a supplier to the drug organization, making fentanyl available for them to distribute.

Three co-defendants were previously sentenced by Judge Peterson for their roles in the fentanyl pill trafficking organization. Dejon C. Glover was sentenced on May 16, 2024, to 4 ½ years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. Lloyd M. McKire-Bennett was sentenced on May 17, 2024, to more than 13 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and possessing firearms and ammunition as a felon. Deshawn P. Davis was sentenced on May 22, 2024, to 5 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute fentanyl.

Three others were charged in connection with this trafficking organization: Jessica E. Leyvas, Dantrell T. Stevenson, and Christopher S. Wilson. Leyvas and Wilson have both pleaded guilty. Wilson is scheduled to be sentenced on July 29, 2024, and Leyvas’ sentencing hearing is yet to be scheduled. Stevenson’s case is scheduled for trial, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

The charge against Walker is the result of an investigation conducted by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force. 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. 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 a Madison woman has been sentenced to federal prison in connection with fentanyl trafficking.

Alexis K. Davis, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. Davis pled guilty to this charge on April 4, 2024.

On January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona. After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages and inside each, found a stuffed animal containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of counterfeit prescription pills. In total, more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing found that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package and Davis and co-defendant Jontell C. Shepherd were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package.

The government’s investigation revealed that co-defendant Brianna M. Reno arranged for co-defendant Keyshawna D. Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona. Davis provided Reno with $10,000 to purchase some of the pills. On January 25, 2023, Draper travelled from Atlanta to Phoenix where she packaged the pills and mailed them to Reno and Davis in Madison.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson reflected on the serious harm that fentanyl causes the community. He also found it concerning that Davis chose to make money by exploiting the addictions of others.

Davis is the final defendant charged in this trafficking scheme to be sentenced. On July 10, 2024, Reno was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. On July 23, 2024, Draper was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and Shepherd was sentenced to over three and a half years in prison.

The charges against Reno, Shepherd, Davis, and Draper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins 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.

Citizen of Moldova Charged with Access Device Fraud

Charges Related to Credit Card Skimming Devices Placed Around Wisconsin

Ivan Bordian, 32, a citizen of Moldova, is charged with possessing device making equipment and attempting to possess counterfeit access devices. The indictment alleges that on May 27, 2024, Bordian knowingly and with intent to defraud, possessed and had control and custody of device-making equipment, specifically credit card skimming devices. The indictment alleges that Bordian had those devices placed at five locations in Wisconsin, namely Blooming Grove, Madison, West Salem, La Crosse, and Janesville. The indictment further alleges that on June 3, 2024, Bordian attempted to possess fifteen or more counterfeit and unauthorized access devices.

If convicted, Bordian faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison on each of the possession of device making equipment charges, and a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison on the unauthorized access device charge. 

The charges against Bordian are the result of an investigation by Homeland Security Investigations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, and the La Crosse, Onalaska, West Salem, Madison, Janesville, and Darien, Illinois, Police Departments.

Wausau Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine

Bee Her, 45, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Her distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on October 13, 2023, and October 23, 2023.

If convicted, Her faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each distribution charge.  

The charges against Her are the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Marathon County Sheriff's Office, Wausau Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Lincoln County Sheriff's Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, Everest Metro Police Department, and Wisconsin's National Guard Counterdrug Program. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the case.

Madison Man and Woman Charged with Trafficking Methamphetamine and Cocaine

Emanuel Gonzalez, 28, and Yelitzia Ortiz Chaparro, 25, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that Gonzalez distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 17, 2023, and June 13, 2024, and further that he distributed cocaine on May 15, 2023. The indictment alleges that Ortiz Chaparro distributed cocaine on November 2, 2022, and together with Gonzalez, distributed methamphetamine on March 17, 2023.

If convicted, Gonzalez faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison on each of the distribution counts involving methamphetamine, and a maximum of 20 years in prison on the distribution count involving cocaine.

If convicted, Ortiz Chaparro faces maximum penalties of 20 years in prison on each distribution count.

The charges against Gonzalez and Ortiz Chaparro are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. 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. The prosecution of the case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.

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.

Federal Inmate Charged with Possessing Contraband

Marco Cota-Tamaura, 44, formerly of Lakewood, Colorado, is charged with possessing a prohibited object while an inmate at a Federal Correctional Institution in Oxford, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that on March 22, 2024, Cota-Tamaura possessed methamphetamine.

If convicted, Cota-Tamaura faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the prosecution.

Madison Man Charged with Gun and Drug Crimes

James Stevens, 41, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine and fentanyl, possessing cocaine intended for distribution, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Stevens distributed cocaine and fentanyl on November 16, 2023, and distributed fentanyl on November 21, 2023. The indictment further alleges that Stevens possessed cocaine intended for distribution on November 29, 2023, along with a loaded Smith and Wesson .40 caliber handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime. 

If convicted, Stevens faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the drug charges.  If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. 

The charges against Stevens are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Madison Police Department, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louie Glinzak is handling the 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.

Janesville Man Charged with Gun and Drug Crimes

Cedric Sanders, 25, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing fentanyl, possessing 40 grams of more of fentanyl intended for distribution, possessing a firearm as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Sanders distributed fentanyl on four occasions between   November 3, 2023, and November 28, 2023. The indictment further alleges that on December 11, 2023, Sanders possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution as well as two handguns and ammunition despite being a convicted felon. Finally, the indictment alleges one of the firearms he possessed on December 11, 2023, was possessed in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

If convicted, Sanders faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each of the drug distribution charges. If convicted of the charge involving possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl intended for distribution, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.  If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge of possessing a weapon in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison. 

The charges against Sanders are the result of an investigation by the Janesville Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the 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 an Atlanta woman and Madison man have been sentenced to federal prison in connection with fentanyl trafficking.

Keyshawna D. Draper, 30, Atlanta, Georgia, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to two and a half years in federal prison for attempting to distribute fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by four years of supervised release. Draper pled guilty to this charge on April 19, 2024.

Jontell C. Shepherd, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, was also sentenced yesterday by Judge . Peterson to just over three and a half years in federal prison for attempting to possess fentanyl intended for distribution. The prison term will be followed by three years of supervised release. Shepherd pled guilty to this charge on January 31, 2024.

On January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona. After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages and inside each, found a stuffed animal containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of counterfeit prescription pills. In total, more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing found that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package and Shepherd and co-defendant Alexis K. Davis were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package.

The government’s investigation revealed that co-defendant Brianna M. Reno arranged for Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona. On January 25, 2023, Draper travelled from Atlanta to Phoenix where she packaged the pills and mailed them to Reno and Davis in Madison.

At both sentencings, Judge Peterson reflected on the serious harm that fentanyl causes to the community. He noted that the large amount of fentanyl involved in this case was especially concerning.

All four defendants who were charged in this trafficking scheme have pled guilty. On July 10, 2024, Reno was sentenced to seven years in federal prison. Davis will be sentenced on July 25.

The charges against Reno, Shepherd, Davis, and Draper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced the unsealing of an indictment charging Jose Farinango Muenala, 45, Casselberry, Florida, with wire fraud, mail fraud, and misrepresenting Indian produced goods. The indictment was returned by a federal grand jury sitting in Madison, Wisconsin, on June 26, 2024.

“Prosecuting these types of fraud cases is part of our important work to support Tribal Nations,” said U.S. Timothy M. O’Shea. “The indictment announced today is not only about enforcing the law, but also about protecting and preserving the cultural heritage of Native Americans.”

“Jose Farinango’s false tribal affiliation cheated customers and impacted the economic and cultural livelihood of Native American artists,” said Edward Grace, Assistant Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Law Enforcement. “Our dedicated team of special agents works on behalf of the Department of the Interior and the Indian Arts and Crafts Board to protect Native American and Alaska Native artists. Safeguarding Native American culture, traditions, and the consumers who purchase authentic Native American art are a critical part of these investigations. We want to thank our partners at the U.S. Department of Justice and the IACB for their ongoing assistance.”

“The Indian Arts and Crafts Board administers and enforces the Indian Arts and Crafts Act, a truth-in-marketing law,” said Indian Arts and Crafts Board Director Meridith Stanton. “The Act is intended to rid the Indian arts and crafts marketplace of fakes to protect the economic livelihoods and cultural heritage of Indian artists, craftspeople, and their Tribes, as well as the buying public. Authentic Indian art and craftwork is an important tool for passing down cultural traditions, traditional knowledge, and artistic skills from one generation to the next. Those that market fake Indian art and craftwork, such as under Jose Farinango’s guise of from “the Pueblo Nation of New Mexico,” tear at the very fabric of Indian culture and livelihoods and prey upon unwitting consumers, and therefore must be held accountable."

The indictment alleges that from December 3, 2015, to January 17, 2024, Farinango Muenala devised a scheme to defraud wherein he applied to art shows across the United States in order to sell jewelry. In those applications, and to attendees of art shows, Farinango Muenala falsely represented that he was Native American and made the jewelry he displayed for sale. In fact, Farinango Muenala was not Native American nor a member of an Indian tribe. For the purpose of executing this scheme, the indictment alleges that Farinango caused an email to be sent to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce on April 17, 2023. The indictment also alleges that for the same purpose, Farinango Muenala caused a check and an application to Loon Day 2024 to be delivered by U.S. mail to the Mercer Chamber of Commerce between October 29, 2023, and November 10, 2023.

The indictment further alleges that on August 2, 2023, in the Western District of Wisconsin, Farinango Muenala knowingly offered and displayed for sale, jewelry in a manner that falsely suggested that the jewelry was Indian produced, an Indian product, or the product of a particular Indian or Indian tribe resident within the United States. The indictment was unsealed today after agents served Farinango Muenala with the indictment and a summons ordering him to appear for an initial appearance in the Western District of Wisconsin on July 30, 2024.

If convicted, Farinango Muenala faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the wire and mail fraud charges. He faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison on the misrepresentation of Indian produced goods charge. 

The charges against Farinango Muenala were the result of an investigation by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Department of the Interior Indian Arts and Craft Board. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the prosecution.

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

MADISON, WIS. – An Eau Claire, Wisconsin, man has been convicted of wire fraud and attempting to commit wire fraud. Robert Carter, 45, was convicted following a two-day trial in federal court in Madison. The jury reached a verdict today after just over an hour of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

The government presented evidence at trial that from April 22, 2020 to January 25, 2021, Carter made false statements and provided false documents to companies that leased and sold semitrucks in an attempt to fraudulently obtain property, specifically, semi-trucks, to use in his business, Carter Transportation Group. In support of his lease applications, Carter submitted false financial statements for his businesses and submitted a false wire transfer receipt. Carter also falsely claimed that he had a multi-million-dollar trust.

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled sentencing for October 17, 2024. Carter faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the each of the two fraud counts.

The case was investigated by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation with assistance provided by the Office of the U.S. Trustee for the Western District of Wisconsin. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and Megan Stelljes.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kelvin Haley, Jr., 41, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 ½ years in federal prison for conspiring to distribute cocaine in the Beloit area from July 2021 to August 2023. The prison term will be followed by 10 years of supervised release. Haley pleaded guilty to this charge on March 25, 2024. 

During a federal investigation, multiple witnesses identified Haley as an individual selling large quantities of cocaine). Law enforcement discovered that Haley used multiple homes in the Beloit area to store and sell cocaine. As part of the investigation, law enforcement conducted recorded purchases of cocaine from Haley at some of these homes on multiple occasions between November 2022 and March 2023.

Haley had previously been convicted and sentenced by Judge Conley for drug trafficking.  Judge Conley expressed disappointment that Haley returned to drug trafficking after his release from prison, despite having legitimate employment options. Finding that Haley was a central figure in selling large amounts of cocaine in the Beloit area, Judge Conley said 8 ½ years was warranted given the nature of Haley’s offense and repeat conduct.

The charge against Haley was the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Beloit Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Joshua Gentle, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 4 years and nine months in federal prison for possessing firearms as a felon. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release. Gentle pleaded guilty to this charge on April 9, 2024.

In October and November of 2023, Gentle sold three handguns to a person he knew could not legally possess them. During one of the transactions, Gentle commented that he had avoided a prior federal case for selling guns. He threatened to shoot one of the people involved in the transaction, as he believed that person was an undercover police officer.

Gentle is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of prior felony convictions, including convictions for armed robbery and felon in possession of a firearm. 

At sentencing, Judge Peterson determined that a sentence near the top of advisory sentencing guideline range was appropriate because of the serious nature of the crime and the fact that this was one of the most aggravated gun possession cases that the court has seen. Judge Peterson found that Gentle was callous firearms dealer who had served as a pipeline for diverting guns to criminals who could not legally possess them. Judge Peterson also noted that Gentle was fully aware that his conduct was both illegal and dangerous.

“The U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to prosecuting individuals who illegally sell firearms on the street,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea. “I am grateful for the strong partnership we have with ATF and with our local law enforcement partners to reduce gun violence by holding accountable those who use guns in crime and those who provide guns to criminals.”

“Given the defendant’s lengthy history of violence, it was a priority to investigate his recent firearms activity,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Travis Riddle, of the St. Paul Field Division. “I’m grateful for the work our agents and partners put into this case. I hope with this sentence today the community will be a little bit safer, and Mr. Gentle can have some time to consider modifying his behavior upon his release from prison.”

The charge against Gentle was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sarah Doherty, 35, Stephenville, Texas, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 5 years in federal prison for wire fraud and tax evasion. Doherty pleaded guilty to these charges on April 9, 2024.  As part of her sentence, Doherty was ordered to pay $1,025,064.74 in restitution to Victim-1.    

Between 2016 and 2020, Doherty executed a scheme to defraud Victim-1, who owned a small business in central Wisconsin. Doherty became friends with Victim-1 and gained access to his personal finances.  She then used this access to steal money from Victim-1 and used the stolen money to pay her personal expenses, including a down payment on a property in Colorado and a seven-horse trailer. 

Doherty also created fictitious identities and controlled those identities to defraud and manipulate Victim-1 into sending her money that she spent personally. For example, Doherty created “Cindy Lou,” a matchmaker who Victim-1 paid to set him up on dates with women. Cindy Lou set up Victim-1 with numerous fictitious women who would communicate with Victim-1 by email. In many instances, the fictitious women, who were in fact Doherty, would then request financial help from Victim-1 to assist with various fictitious tragedies. The money Victim-1 sent to these fictitious women was received and spent by Doherty. Doherty also created a fictitious travel agent and investment advisor and used these alter egos to obtain more money from Victim-1.

During 2019, Doherty also had direct access to a credit card for Victim-1’s business and used funds from the credit card to pay her personal expenses. As part of her plea agreement, Doherty admitted that she failed to report the income she received from the credit card in 2019 on her 2020 federal tax return. 

While Doherty was on release and awaiting trial in the case, she continued to engage in fraudulent conduct while under the supervision of the United States Pretrial Services.  During a hearing on March 19, 2024, Magistrate Judge Stephen Crocker ordered Doherty into custody as a result of her multiple violations of pretrial release.  

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Conley stated that Doherty’s fraud scheme was a “web of misrepresentations” that had a devasting impact on Victim-1 and his business.  Judge Conley stated that Doherty had consistently demonstrated a “pathological affinity for fraudulent conduct.”  Judge Conley also noted that he had never seen “a more dismal performance by a white-collar defendant on pretrial supervision.”

The charges against Doherty were a result of an investigation conducted by IRS Criminal Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Brianna M. Reno, 27, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 7 years in federal prison for conspiracy to possess and distribute 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The prison term will be followed by 5 years of supervised release. Reno pled guilty to this charge on April 16, 2024.

On January 26, 2023, law enforcement intercepted two suspicious packages being shipped to the Madison area from Arizona. After obtaining a search warrant, officers opened the packages and inside each, found a stuffed animal containing approximately 2.2 kilograms of counterfeit prescription pills. In total, more than 40,000 pills were seized. Testing revealed that the pills contained fentanyl. Officers arranged for a controlled delivery of one package and co-defendants Jontell C. Shepherd and Alexis K. Davis were arrested after arriving at the delivery location to pick up the package.

The government’s investigation revealed that Reno arranged for co-defendant Keyshawna D. Draper to ship the fentanyl pills to Madison from Arizona.

During the sentencing, Judge Peterson emphasized the danger that fentanyl disguised as prescription pills poses to the community. Judge Peterson expressed concern that even though the counterfeit pills looked legitimate, they were actually far more dangerous since they contained fentanyl. He also remarked on the seriousness of Reno making “money by exploiting” those addicted to drugs.

All four defendants who were charged in this trafficking scheme have pled guilty. Shepherd and Draper’s sentencing hearings are scheduled for July 23, 2024, and Davis will be sentenced on July 25, 2024.

The charges against Reno, Shepherd, Davis, and Draper were the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, United States Postal Inspection Service, and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. 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. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Timothy M. Cannon, 36, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Cannon pled guilty to this charge on March 21, 2024.

Between April and June 2023, the La Crosse Police Department used a confidential informant to conduct four controlled buys of fentanyl from Cannon. Cannon sold the informant approximately 40-50 grams of fentanyl during each buy. Law enforcement also searched the apartment where Cannon was staying and found 43.2 grams of fentanyl in his backpack.

At sentencing, Judge Conley emphasized the dangers of fentanyl in the community and Cannon’s participation in trafficking the drug. He remarked that Cannon’s actions were for greed, noting that he was harming other people for money.

The charges against Cannon were the result of an investigation conducted by the City of La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Kathryn E. Ginsberg and Louis Glinzak prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Byron Ellison, 28, Windsor, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 3 ½ years in federal prison for possessing heroin and fentanyl intended for distribution and possessing a machine gun. Ellison pleaded guilty to these charges on March 14, 2024. The prison term will be followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Between September 9, 2023, and October 9, 2023, Ellison sold a heroin and fentanyl mixture to an undercover officer on four separate occasions. On October 17, 2023, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ellison’s residence. In a safe in Ellison’s bedroom, they found a loaded Polymer 80 9mm handgun with a “Glock switch” attached to it. In the same safe was a Mini Draco AK47-variant pistol and 13 grams of a heroin and fentanyl mixture. In a backpack in Ellison’s room, investigators found a loaded .40 caliber Polymer 80 handgun.

A “Glock switch” is an illegal after-market device that converts a Glock semi-automatic handgun into a fully functioning machinegun. A Polymer 80 is a privately made firearm (aka “ghost gun”) that does not have a serial number. Ghost guns are put together using components purchased either as a kit or as separate pieces.

At sentencing, Judge Conley recognized that notwithstanding Ellison’s criminal history, this would be his  first time being sent to prison. Judge Conley also noted  that this was a serious case because Ellison was a drug dealer who had a ghost gun with a switch, a firearm capable of spraying bullets in an indiscriminate manner. 

The charges against Ellison were the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case. 

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jarrell Knight, 38, Hammond, Indiana, was sentenced on June 20, 2024 by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 8 ¼ years in federal prison for distributing 40 or more grams of fentanyl. Knight pleaded guilty to this charge on March 26, 2024. Knight committed the instant offense while under federal supervision for a previous drug trafficking conviction. Judge Conley revoked that supervision and imposed an additional 18-month sentence to run consecutive to the sentence on the new conviction. 

On March 16, 2023, Knight met with an individual in Beloit to sell two ounces of fentanyl. Police monitoring the transaction observed and recorded Knight’s meeting with the individual and the substance obtained in the purchase tested positive for fentanyl. Knight was indicted by a federal grand jury in September 2023, and subsequently arrested in Hammond, Indiana.

At the sentencing, Judge Conley noted that Knight spent most of his adult life profiting from the suffering of others by exploiting their drug addictions. Judge Conley also considered it an aggravating factor that Knight sold drugs while under federal supervised release from his 2013 drug trafficking conviction. 

The charge against Knight was the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Beloit Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David Beyer, 66, Janesville, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson, to 3 years of probation for theft of social security retirement benefits. Beyer pleaded guilty to the charge on April 4, 2024.

The Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General (SSA OIG) received an anonymous tip in December 2021 that Beyer continued to receive social security checks from his mother-in-law’s Title II retirement benefits after she passed away in June 2016. As a retirement beneficiary, Beyer’s mother-in-law was paid $1007 a month through direct deposits to her account at a bank in Janesville. Beyer had a duty to inform SSA OIG when the beneficiary passed away. Beyer did not and continued unlawfully collecting these benefits from July 2016 until January 2022. SSA OIG determined the total amount overpaid to the account was $62,210.10.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson emphasized the seriousness of Beyer’s theft, and noted the irony that Beyer now relies on social security, the very program that he stole from. Judge Peterson imposed a court-ordered payment plan for Beyer to pay restitution to SSA, making clear that paying restitution was not part of Beyer’s punishment, but instead that it is fair “to pay back the money he stole.”

The charge against Beyer was the result of an investigation conducted by Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg 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.

Wisconsin Rapids Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes

Bradly Rosenthal, 41, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution, possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that Rosenthal distributed methamphetamine on three occasions in February 2024 and possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution on March 13, 2024. The indictment alleges that also on March 13, 2024, Rosenthal possessed as a felon a Keltec handgun, Stoeger handgun, and two types of ammunition and possessed a loaded firearm in furtherance of his drug trafficking crime. 

If convicted, Rosenthal faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each distribution charge. He faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison on the possession with intent to distribute charge. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, he faces a maximum penalty of 15 years. The possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime charge carries a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life in prison. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. 

The charges against Rosenthal are the result of an investigation by the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force and the Wisconsin Rapids and Nekoosa Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the 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.

Oneida County Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography

James H. Hornung, 72, Newbold, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing child pornography. The indictment alleges that from September 4, 2021 to June 23, 2023, Hornung possessed a 128 GB Lenovo IdeaPad 1 and six GB SanDisk Flash Drives containing visual depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment further alleges that at least one of the depictions Hornung possessed involved a prepubescent minor or a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. 

The penalties for possession of child pornography vary depending upon an individual’s prior criminal history. If convicted, Hornung faces a minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. 

The charge against Hornung is the result of an investigation by the Oneida County Sheriff’s Office and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the case.

This investigation was a part of Project Safe Childhood, 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. – In observance of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea has joined with the Justice Department to condemn elder abuse, and vowed to continue to investigate and prosecute bad actors who seek to exploit and harm older adults.

Each year, June 15th is recognized as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This day provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the abuse, neglect, and fraud schemes committed against older Americans.

“Unfortunately, seniors are a frequent target for criminals,” U.S. Attorney O’Shea said. “The U.S. Attorney’s Office will continue to work closely with our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to prosecute those who prey on senior citizens in the Western District of Wisconsin.”

Each year, millions of seniors fall victim to some type of financial fraud or confidence scheme. Seniors are often targeted because they tend to be trusting and polite. They also usually have financial savings, own a home, and have good credit—all of which make them attractive to scammers.

Additionally, seniors may be less inclined to report fraud because they don’t know how, or they may be too ashamed of having been scammed. They might also be concerned that their relatives will lose confidence in their abilities to manage their own financial affairs. And when an elderly victim does report a crime, they may be unable to supply detailed information to investigators.

U.S. Attorney O’Shea urged seniors to be aware of common scams, so they can protect themselves. U.S. Attorney O’Shea also urged younger family members to discuss the increasing prevalence of these schemes with parents and grandparents.

Some of the most common scams targeting older Americans include:

•              Romance scam: Criminals pose as interested romantic partners on social media or dating websites to obtain money from the victim. Romance scammers      profess love quickly; claim to need money for a new business, taxes, hospital bills, or travel; and say they plan to visit but never do because of various emergencies.

•              Tech support scam: Criminals pose as technology support representatives and offer to fix non-existent computer issues, such as computer viruses or hacked accounts.

•              Grandparent scam: Criminals pose as a relative, usually a child or grandchild, claiming to be in immediate financial need.

•              Governmental impersonation scam:  Criminals pose as government employees and threaten to arrest or prosecute victims unless they agree to pay.

These tips could prevent you or someone you know from becoming a victim:

•              Resist the pressure to act quickly. Criminals create a sense of urgency to instill fear and the need for immediate action. Slow down. Talk to a trusted family member or friend to see if it raises concerns with them.

•              Be cautious of unsolicited phone calls, mailings, and door-to-door service offers.

•              Never give money to a new love interest you have only met online.

•              Do not open emails or click on attachments or links you do not recognize or were not expecting.

•              Be suspicious of anyone who contacts you and asks you to pay government fees or taxes by wire transfer, prepaid gift cards, cash, or cryptocurrency.

•              Research online and social media advertisements before purchase to determine if a product or company is legitimate.

•              If you suspect you might be talking to a scammer, stop communication. 

•              If a person tells you to lie to your financial institution about the purpose of the funds you are withdrawing or sending, you should notify your financial institution and the police. 

•              Be careful what you post and make public online. Scammers can use details shared on social media and dating sites to better understand and target you.

Reporting the fraud:

If you believe you or someone you know may have been a victim of elder fraud, contact your local police, local FBI field office, or submit a tip online. You can also file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at ic3.gov or call:

National Elder Fraud Hotline

1-833-FRAUD-11

(833-372-8311)

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Eastern Time

Monday – Friday

Victims should also report the fraud to their financial institutions as soon as possible.

For additional recourses on fraud scams, please visit:

Romance scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/what-know-about-romance-scams

Tech support cams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-spot-avoid-and-report-tech-support-scams

Grandparent scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/consumer-alerts/2021/04/dont-open-your-door-grandparent-scams

Impersonation scams: https://consumer.ftc.gov/articles/how-avoid-government-impersonation-scam

For more information on enforcement actions, training and resources, research, and victim services, please visit www.justice.gov/elderjustice.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jayvon E. Jones-Shields, 24, La Crosse, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 5 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. Jones-Shields pleaded guilty to this charge on March 19, 2024.

On October 18, 2023, officers saw Jones-Shields standing on the street in La Crosse with a group of people. The officers arrested Jones-Shields on an active arrest warrant.  Officers searched a shoulder bag Jones-Shields was wearing and found a loaded .22 caliber Charter Arms revolver, numerous oxycodone pills, counterfeit prescription pills containing fentanyl, and cocaine. Jones-Shields is prohibited from legally possessing firearms because of multiple felony convictions in Olmsted County, Minnesota.

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 Jones-Shields was the result of an investigation conducted by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Levins prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – A Madison, Wisconsin, man has been convicted of Covid-relief fraud, making false statements on loan applications, and money laundering. Eric Upchurch, 36, was convicted following a three-day trial in federal court in Madison.  The jury reached a verdict today after approximately five hours of deliberation. The guilty verdict is announced by Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin.

In March 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was enacted to provide immediate financial assistance to individuals, families, and organizations affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This Act authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to offer Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) forgivable loans to business owners negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government presented evidence at trial that from April 2020 to April 2021, Upchurch submitted 14 PPP loan applications to the SBA on behalf of his various companies. In each PPP application, Upchurch falsely represented his companies’ payroll expenses and revenues. Upchurch also submitted false documentation. In total, Upchurch’s fraudulent representations caused the SBA to approve 10 of the loans and deposit approximately $400,000 into bank accounts controlled by Upchurch. The government also presented evidence that Upchurch laundered fraudulently obtained funds by purchasing cryptocurrency. 

U.S. District Judge William M. Conley scheduled sentencing for August 30, 2024. Upchurch faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the each of the fraud counts and 10 years on the money laundering count. Upchurch faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison on each of the false statement counts. 

The case was investigated by the Internal Revenue Service, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector general. The prosecution is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Chad Elgersma and William M. Levins.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Darnell Isabell, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 7 ½ years in federal prison for distributing 40 grams or more of fentanyl. Isabell pleaded guilty to this charge on March 25, 2024. Isabell committed the instant offense while under federal supervision for a previous drug trafficking conviction. Judge Conley revoked that supervision and imposed an additional 18-month sentence to run consecutive to the sentence on the new conviction.  

On January 11, 2023, law enforcement suspected that Isabell planned to sell fentanyl. Surveilling officers saw Isabell meet with a motorist on Oakwood Avenue, Beloit where Isabell delivered two ounces of fentanyl.  Officers seized the substance that Isabell delivered to the motorist, and it tested positive for fentanyl. A subsequent search of Isabell’s home resulted in the recovery of additional amounts of fentanyl, cocaine, and $2,120 in U.S. currency.

Judge Conley observed that Isabell had spent most of his adult life selling drugs. Judge Conley noted that it was an aggravating factor that Isabell sold drugs while under federal supervised release from his 2017 cocaine distribution conviction. Isabell served 8 years in prison for that conviction, before being released to supervision in 2022.

The charge against Isabell was the result of an investigation conducted by the Rock County Sheriff’s Office, Beloit Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson prosecuted this case. 

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Paul Williams Anti, 61, a citizen of Ghana, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 years in federal prison for conspiring to launder proceeds of wire fraud. Williams Anti pleaded guilty to the charge on March 14, 2024.

Money laundering involves using financial transactions to conceal the nature, location, source, ownership, or control of illegally obtained funds. Between September 15, 2020, and March 13, 2023, Williams Anti controlled 14 separate bank accounts under 9 false identities and fraudulent business names. He used those bank accounts to collect and launder more than $3.8 million in proceeds from wire fraud schemes perpetrated on business and organization victims throughout the United States.

In addition to using false identities and fake business names for bank accounts, Williams Anti further concealed his identify from law enforcement by directing mail associated with the scheme to the mailbox of an elderly patient at an assisted living facility in Connecticut. Williams Anti was hired to care for the patient using yet another false identity.

At sentencing, Judge Conley noted that the Williams Anti’s conduct was sophisticated and calculated. He said he knowingly choose to participate in a massive scheme and set up a web of subterfuge to conceal his criminal conduct.

“We are grateful for the work of our federal, state, and local law enforcement partners to disrupt the money laundering that happens after business email compromise schemes or when other cyber-enabled fraud occurs,” said U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea. “Often, the individuals who end up with the funds are not the ones conducting the online fraud, but they are critical components to the success of these schemes. I am grateful for the work of the agents in this case and my office remains committed to prosecuting those who launder proceeds of illegal activity.”   

“Actions such as those taken by Williams Anti to enrich himself by laundering ill-gotten funds are reprehensible and will not be tolerated,” said HSI Chicago Special Agent in Charge Sean Fitzgerald. “HSI will continue to work closely with our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners to disrupt this type of conspiracy and to protect organizations and individuals from being victimized.” 

Law enforcement began investigating Williams Anti in October 2020, after an organization with its headquarters in Madison, Wisconsin, fell victim to a wire fraud scheme commonly referred to as a “business email compromise scheme.” The $2.4 million in losses stemmed from the organization paying invoices between October 13, 2020 and October 20, 2020, which were later determined to be altered.

The fraudulent invoices appeared to be from legitimate vendors with whom the organization regularly conducted business, but the payee bank account and sometimes the account payable information had been altered by an unknown party prior to being sent to the organization’s employee for payment. This resulted in the organization’s funds being transferred to fraudulent bank accounts. Approximately $1 million of $2.4 million stolen from the organization was directed to two bank accounts, one in the name of G.P., dba Electronics General Goods and one in the name G.P., dba Gary Ventures. 

Following a lengthy investigation, law enforcement identified Williams Anti as the individual controlling the G.P. bank accounts. Law enforcement was then able to locate additional bank accounts and false identities being used by Williams Anti. From there, law enforcement was able to trace proceeds from these bank accounts to 29 other wire fraud victims around the U.S. These victims had been defrauded by similar business email compromise schemes and in total, lost approximately $7.7 million, of which approximately $3.8 million was directed to accounts controlled by Williams Anti. Williams Anti was arrested on March 14, 2023, in an apartment in the Bronx, New York.

A business email compromise (BEC) scheme is a sophisticated fraud scheme targeting businesses that use wire transfers as a form of payment.  Criminals compromise legitimate business email accounts through various hacking schemes, including social engineering and the use of malware. Once a business email account is compromised, a fraudulent email is sent directing the email recipient to unwittingly transfer funds to an illicit account. Alternatively, criminals create “spoofed” email domain names to trick people into thinking they know or do business with the sender. An email domain name is the part of an email address that comes after the “@” symbol. In email spoofing, one character in an email address is often changed or missing, thereby tricking the recipient. Criminals obtain and use privileged information to convince BEC email recipients that the transfer instructions are legitimate.

To avoid becoming the victim of a BEC scheme, verify that sender email addresses are accurate when checking mail on a cellphone or other mobile device before opening any attachments or following any instructions, and never make any payment changes without verifying with the intended recipient by phone or in person. If you think you have been a victim of a BEC scheme, 1) immediately contact your bank to request a recall or reversal as well as a Hold Harmless Letter or Letter of Indemnity; and 2) file a detailed complaint with the Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The Internet Crime Complaint Center is run by the FBI and serves as the country’s hub for reporting cybercrime. Visit www.ic3.gov for updated information regarding BEC trends as well as other cyber fraud schemes. For additional information on how to protect your business or organization from a business email compromise scheme, please visit:

https://www.fbi.gov/how-we-can-help-you/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/business-email-compromise

                or

https://www.secretservice.gov/investigation/Preparing-for-a-Cyber-Incident/

The charge against Williams Anti was the result of an investigation conducted by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin.

MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Byron D. Broomfield, 37, Beloit, Wisconsin, was sentenced on June 4, 2024, by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 6 ½ years in federal prison for possessing firearms after a felony conviction and maintaining a drug-involved premises. Broomfield pleaded guilty to these charges on February 14, 2024.

The Beloit Police Department began investigating Broomfield for drug trafficking in January 2023. During their investigation, police found evidence of substantial marijuana dealing in Broomfield’s trash. On March 6, officers stationed outside of Broomfield’s home observed Broomfield and another man enter Broomfield’s residence with an empty bag. After a short time, the other individual left the home with that same bag full. A few hours later, officers watched another two individuals drive to the home, enter the residence with an empty backpack, and leave a short time later with that backpack full. Officers stopped those individuals and found two pounds of marijuana in that backpack. The individuals told officers that they bought the marijuana from Broomfield, who was also known to associate with firearms.

Police then obtained and executed a search warrant at Broomfield’s residence and found 6,599 grams of marijuana commercially packaged for distribution and a loaded Taurus G3C 9mm handgun that had Broomfield’s DNA on it. Officers also searched Broomfield’s car and found a Glock Model 19 handgun with a Glock “switch” attached, and a Masterpiece Arms Defender 9mm handgun with an obliterated serial number.

A Glock switch is a common name for an illegal after-market device that converts a semi-automatic handgun into a fully functioning machine gun. An obliterated serial number is a serial number that has been altered or destroyed, making it more difficult to identify the firearm or trace it to other crimes. 

At sentencing, Judge Conley emphasized that gun violence “plagues the nation” and added that the Beloit community was no exception. Judge Conley additionally considered the incredible danger Broomfield posed to the public by possessing a handgun with a Glock switch.

 This is Broomfield’s second federal felony conviction. In 2010, Broomfield was convicted of distributing cocaine in the Western District of Wisconsin.

The charges against Broomfield were the result of an investigation conducted by the Beloit Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Wisconsin State Patrol, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg.

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.