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.

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

Chippewa County Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes

Joshua Stein, 29, Cornell, Wisconsin, is charged with three counts of distributing methamphetamine, with one count alleging distribution of 50 grams or more; one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute; and with possessing two firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine in February 2019, and that on April 8, 2019, he possessed two handguns and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. 

If convicted, Stein faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the two counts alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and a maximum of 20 years on the other two drug charges.  The charge alleging the possession of firearms in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and federal law requires that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges.

The charges against Stein are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force and the Cornell Police Department.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson.



Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes

Martell Norris, 37, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with one count of possessing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine with intent to distribute, one count of possessing cocaine with intent to distribute, possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the crack cocaine, cocaine, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun on May 16, 2019. 

If convicted, Norris faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the count alleging 28 grams or more of crack cocaine, and a maximum of 20 years on the other drug charge.  The charge alleging the possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of five years, and federal law requires that that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges.  The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm has a maximum penalty of 10 years. 

The charges against Norris are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea.

Madison Man Charged with Gun Crimes and Drug Crime Involving Heroin & Crack Cocaine

Demarious Gray, 28, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with possessing heroin and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that on October 9, 2017, he possessed a loaded .40 caliber handgun, heroin, and crack cocaine.

If convicted, Gray faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on the felon in possession of a firearm charge, 20 years on the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of five years on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Federal law requires that that any penalty imposed for the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the other charges. 

The charges against Gray are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey C. Stephan.

Madison Man Charged with Armed Robbery of Oregon Gas Station

Willie Champ, 18, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with the armed robbery of a business in Oregon, Wisconsin.  The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2019, he robbed the Kwik Trip gas station on Janesville Street in Oregon, and that during the robbery he brandished a weapon at an employee and demanded money.

If convicted, Champ faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Oregon, Fitchburg and Madison Police Departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey C. Stephan. 

Ashland Man Charged with Being a Felon in Possession of Firearm & Ammunition

Jeremy W. Strobel, 41, Ashland, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  The indictment alleges that on April 20, 2019, he possessed a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.

If convicted, Strobel faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Ashland Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey C. Stephan. 

Beloit Man Charged With Gun Crime

Randell Thomas, 39, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment alleges that on May 16, 2019, he possessed a loaded 9 mm pistol.

If convicted, Thomas faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Beloit Police Department.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.