Grand Jury Returns Indictments
MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
Chippewa Falls Man Charged with Gun & Drug Crimes
In a five-count indictment, Brandon Herman, 42, Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with gun offenses and drug crimes involving methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2023, Herman was a felon in possession of firearms, that he possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, that he possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute, that he maintained a drug house, and that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he maintained a place in the Township of Lafayette in Chippewa County for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and that he possessed four handguns and a rifle.
If convicted, Herman faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution, a maximum of 20 years on the fentanyl charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of maintaining a drug house. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life; federal law requires that any sentence imposed on this charge be served consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed.
The charges against Herman are the result of an investigation by the Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Drug Task Force, St. Paul (Minnesota) Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the prosecution.
Two Madison Men Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Fentanyl
Steven P. Dixon, 30, and Tysean J. Pollard, 22, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing fentanyl on June 6, 2023. The indictment alleges that the amount attributable to Dixon as the result of his conduct is 40 grams or more.
The indictment also charges that on June 21, 2023, Dixon distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and that on July 28, 2023, he possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The indictment also charges that Dixon was a felon in possession of ammunition.
If convicted, Pollard faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. Dixon faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on each of the two charges alleging 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life on the charge alleging 400 grams or more of fentanyl, and 15 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of ammunition. The charges against Dixon and Pollard are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Anita Marie Boor is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Gun Crime
Shane L. Tucker, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on July 20, 2023, Tucker possessed a .22 caliber handgun.
If convicted, Tucker faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Pepin County Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm & Ammunition
Jesse Turnmire, 34, Durand, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on July 7, 2023, Turnmire possessed a .22 caliber revolver and ammunition.
If convicted, Turnmire faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
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