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

Two Chicago Men Charged with Madison Armed Robberies

Justin Harris, 24, and Robert ONeal, 33, both of Chicago, Illinois, are charged with two armed robberies of Madison, Wisconsin businesses and brandishing a firearm during each robbery. 

The indictment alleges that Harris and ONeal robbed the Northside Liquor Store on North Sherman Avenue on January 25, 2020, and that they brandished a firearm during the robbery.  The indictment further alleges that Harris and ONeal robbed the Citgo gas station on Northport Drive on the same day, and that they brandished a firearm during the robbery. 

If convicted, Harris and ONeal face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each armed robbery charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in federal prison on each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence.  Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.

The charges against Harris and ONeal are the result of an investigation by the Madison and Oshkosh Police Departments.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow is handling the prosecution.

Medford Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm

Michael Alexander, 53, Medford, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  The indictment alleges that on December 29, 2019, he possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol and ammunition. 



If convicted, Alexander faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey C. Stephan is handing the prosecution. 

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

La Crosse Man Charged with Methamphetamine Crime

Seth Strand, 31, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on January 22, 2020.

If convicted, Strand faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol.  United States Attorney Scott C. Blader and Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron D. Wegner are handling the prosecution.