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Press Release

Grand Jury Returns Indictments

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Wisconsin

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.

Eau Claire Woman Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine and Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Sylvia Erickson, 40, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with five counts of distributing methamphetamine, one count of attempting to possess 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.  

The indictment alleges that Erickson committed the drug offenses between November 12, 2018 and January 7, 2019, and that she possessed a .380 handgun and ammunition on November 20, 2018.  One of the distribution counts alleges that on January 7, 2019, she distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.

If convicted, Erickson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each drug count, with the exception of the two counts alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine.  These charges carry a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years.  The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm has a maximum penalty of 10 years.

The charges against Erickson are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Office, and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s and District Attorney’s Offices.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin.

Portage County Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes

Corey Scheerenberger, 35, Alban, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and with being a felon in possession of firearms.  The indictment alleges that on September 27, 2018, he possessed the methamphetamine and three .22 caliber rifles, a .22 caliber pistol, and a .22-250 caliber rifle.

If convicted, Scheerenberger faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the drug charge, and a maximum of 10 years on the felon in possession of firearms charge.  The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Portage County Sheriff’s Office and the Central Wisconsin Drug Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by United States Attorney Scott C. Blader and Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper. 

Edgerton Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearms

David Hill, 39, Edgerton, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms.  The indictment alleges that on February 25, 2019, he possessed a loaded .40 caliber pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, and three rifles.

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

Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes

Daniel Norris, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of a firearm.   The indictment alleges that on January 7, 2019, he possessed 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

If convicted, Norris faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the drug charge.  On the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, he faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years.  Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for this charge be served consecutive to any sentence imposed on the drug charge.  The maximum penalty for the felon in possession of a firearm charge is 10 years.  The charges against Norris are the result of an investigation by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner. 

Elkhorn Man Charged with Bank Robbery

Jeffrey A. Campton, 29, Elkhorn, Wisconsin, is charged with bank robbery.  The indictment alleges that he robbed the Home Savings Bank on East Washington Avenue in Madison, Wisconsin on September 4, 2018.

If convicted, Campton faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.

The indictments against Erickson, Scheerenberger, Hill, Norris, and Campton 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 violent crime.

­­­­Tomah Man Charged with Crime Involving Methamphetamine

Bobby L. Ostrum, 36, Tomah, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on November 16, 2018.

If convicted, Ostrum 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 Sparta and Tomah Police Departments, the Monroe County Joint Investigative Task Force, and the West Central Metropolitan Enforcement Group.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper.

Two Federal Prison Inmates Charged with Possessing Controlled Substance

In separate and unrelated indictments, two inmates of the Federal Correctional Institution at Oxford, Wisconsin, are charged with possessing a prohibited object.  Demario Angel, 42, is charged with possessing paper containing the chemical compound 5F-ADB, a Schedule I controlled substance.  The indictment against him alleges that he possessed this prohibited object on July 25, 2018.

Christopher Mallett, 37, is charged with possessing pieces of paper containing the chemical compound FUB-AMB, a Schedule I controlled substance.  The indictment against him alleges that he possessed this prohibited object on February 22, 2018.

The chemical compounds alleged in these two indictments are both synthetic cannabinoids. 

If convicted, Angel and Mallet each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charges against them are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Federal Bureau of Prisons – Special Investigative Services.  The Angel case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma and the Mallett case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin Burke.

Man Charged with Escape

Sean Nance, 43, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with escape.  The indictment alleges that on January 9, 2019, he escaped from the Rock Valley Community Programs Center in Janesville, Wisconsin, where he was confined. 

If convicted, Nance faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service.  The prosecution of this matter is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Laura Przybylinski Finn.

Updated March 13, 2019

Topics
Drug Trafficking
Project Safe Neighborhoods