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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.

DeForest Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes & Extortion

Cash Otradovec, 30, DeForest, Wisconsin is charged with 3 counts of attempting to produce child pornography, 3 counts of producing child pornography, and 5 counts of extortion. 

The indictment alleges that on three occasions in February through April 2020, Otradovec attempted to use, persuade, induce, entice and coerce three minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.  It further alleges that on three additional occasions in March through April 2020, he used, persuaded, induced, enticed and coerced three other minors to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct.  

The indictment also charges Otradovec with transmitting communications to 5 of the minor victims containing threats to injure the reputation of the victim, with the intent to extort a thing of value from the victim, in February through April 2020.

If convicted, Otradovec faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each child pornography charge.  The maximum penalty for each extortion charge is 2 years in federal prison.  The charges against Otradovec are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.

Dane County Man Charged with Possession of Child Pornography

William Heitman, 34, Verona, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing child pornography.  The indictment alleges that on June 5, 2020, Heitman possessed Micro SD cards containing depictions of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct.  The indictment further alleges that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age. 

If convicted, Heitman faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Verona Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is handling the prosecution.   

Two Illinois Men Charged with Armed Robberies of Lake Delton Businesses

Deon Brown, 27, Zion, Illinois, and Cortez Thurmond, 28, North Chicago, Illinois, are charged with robbing two businesses in Lake Delton, Wisconsin.  The indictment alleges that Brown and Thurmond robbed Alpha Red Studio and Gifts of the World on July 28, 2020, and that during each robbery the defendants brandished a dangerous weapon at the employees of the businesses.

If convicted, Brown and Thurmond face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each charge.  The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Lake Delton Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution. 

Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crimes

Gavin Potter, 21, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm.  The indictment alleges that from December 16 to 28, 2020, he possessed a .380 handgun, and that from December 28 to 29, 2020, he possessed a 9mm handgun.

If convicted, Potter faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge.  The charges against him are 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 Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.

Updated April 14, 2021

Topics
Project Safe Childhood
Project Safe Neighborhoods