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Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments

U.S. Attorney’s Office February 17, 2010
  • Eastern District of Wisconsin (414) 297-1700

MADISON, WI—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.

Four Charged with Stealing United States Mail

Branden R. Kortness, 28, Michael A. Dayton, 29, William D. Lund, 25, and Deedra A. Ulry, 22, all of Altoona, Wis., are charged with conspiracy to steal packages that had been sent via United States mail. The indictment alleges that Kortness used his position at Straight Shot Express Corporation, a shipping company contracted to transport mail for the U.S. Postal Service, to inspect pallets of mail for possible theft. According to the indictment, Kortness was the night shift supervisor at Straight Shot’s warehouse in Eau Claire, Wis., and Dayton, Lund, and Ulry were associates of Kortness. The indictment alleges that Dayton, Lund, and Ulry joined Kortness at the warehouse at night to steal United States mail packages.

The indictment alleges that Kortness, Dayton, Lund, and Ulry combined to steal packages containing collectable coin sets, televisions, computers, other electronic devices, and clothing from January 2008 to November 2009. The indictment also charges each individual with possession of articles stolen from an authorized mail carrier.

If convicted, Kortness, Dayton, Lund, and Ulry face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison on the conspiracy count and five years in federal prison on the possession count. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Inspection Service, Eau Claire Police Department, and Altoona Police Department. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea.

Madison Man Charged with Distributing Crack Cocaine

Christopher S. Brazell, 37, Madison, Wis., is charged with two counts of distributing five grams or more of crack cocaine, and one count of possessing crack cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed crack cocaine on January 22 and January 26, 2010, and possessed crack cocaine on February 2, 2010.

If convicted, Brazell faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison on the two distribution counts, and 20 years in federal prison on the possession with intent to distribute count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force, and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case will be handled by United States Attorney Stephen P. Sinnott.

Madison Man Charged with Drug Crimes

Carlton A. Hunter, 28, Madison, Wis., is charged with two counts of distributing crack cocaine. The indictment alleges that he distributed crack cocaine on July 22 and August 6, 2009.

If convicted, Hunter faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Narcotics and Gang Task Force. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.

Eau Claire Man Charged with Distributing Ecstasy

Chom P. Her, 23, Eau Claire, Wis., is charged with two counts of distributing MDMA, commonly referred to as ecstacy. The indictment alleges that he distributed the ecstacy on December 18, 2009 and January 25, 2010.

If convicted, Her faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force; Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.

Colorado Man Charged with Forging Check

Jimmie Parker, 32, North Glen, Colo., is charged with forging a U.S. Treasury tax refund check. The indictment alleges that he forged the check, payable to another person in the amount of $1,036, in September 2008.

If convicted, Parker faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Treasury Department. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea.

Fort Atkinson Man Charged with Gun Crime

Tony Jackson, 31, Fort Atkinson, Wis., is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on February 3, 2010, he possessed a 20 gauge shotgun.

If convicted, Jackson faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Jefferson County Drug Task Force; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.

Two Men Charged with Illegal Re-Entry into United States

In unrelated cases, two citizens of Mexico have been charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. The indictments allege that Jose Luis Moreno-Zuniga, 25, was found in Madison, Wis. on November 7, 2009, and that Santos Luciano-Saldana, 52, was found in New Lisbon, Wis. on January 9, 2010.

If convicted, Moreno-Zuniga faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison and Luciano-Saldana faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charges against them are the result of investigations by U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement. The prosecution of Moreno-Zuniga has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson and the prosecution of Luciano-Saldana has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Peter M. Jarosz.

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