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.
The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes. If convicted, the sentencing of a defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Windsor Man Charged with Public Corruption Crimes
Anthony Blevins, 43, Windsor, Wis., is charged in a two-count indictment with public corruption crimes. The indictment alleges that on Oct. 15, 2014, and again between Jan. 28, 2015 and March 9, 2015, Blevins, while an employee of the Federal Correctional Institution at Oxford, Wis., brought contraband items into the prison for inmates. The first count of the indictment charges Blevins with bringing in loose tobacco for an inmate in exchange for a $1,000 bribe. The second count of the indictment charges Blevins with bringing in pornographic magazines for an inmate in exchange for $1,800.
If convicted, Blevins faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Department of Justice Office of the Inspector General, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Altoona Man Charged with Possessing Child Pornography
Brian Savage, 24, Altoona, Wis., is charged with possessing a hard drive containing visual depictions involving the use of minors engaging in sexually explicit conduct. The indictment alleges that at least one of the depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Savage faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Bayfield County Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Timothy W. Vaillancourt, 36, Mason, Wis., is charged with possessing methamphetamine with the intent to distribute it. The indictment also charges Vaillancourt with possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed methamphetamine and a firearm on Oct. 23, 2016.
If convicted, Vaillancourt faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the drug charge, and a mandatory five years on the gun charge, to be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the drug charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Ashland County Sheriff’s Department; and Ashland Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Minnesota Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Karl L. McKenzie, Sr., 47, Anoka, Minn., is charged with distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine on February 5, 2017.
If convicted, McKenzie faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration; Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation; Ashland County Sheriff’s Department; and Ashland Police Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
