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.
Richland Center Man Charged with Transmitting Threatening Communication
Travis B. Martin, 32, Richland Center, Wis., is charged with transmitting a threatening communication from Wisconsin to Alabama. The indictment alleges that on Nov. 10, 2016, Martin left a voicemail message for a member of the Alabama National Guard in Montgomery, Ala., that threatened members of the “Army National Guard," indicating “we’re going to blow your [expletive] brains outs."
If convicted, Martin faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Richland Center Police Department, and Richland County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey M. Anderson.
Minneapolis Man Charged with Madison Robberies
Rodney Keys, 45, Minneapolis, is charged with four counts of robbing businesses and one count of bank robbery. The robberies he is charged with committing took place from April 5 through April 11, 2017. The businesses include two Subway restaurants, an Open Pantry, Banzo Shuk, and the Associated Bank on Cottage Grove Road. During three of the robberies, the indictment alleges that Keys had physical contact with employees in three of the businesses.
If convicted, Keys 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 Madison Police Department. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow.
Illinois Man Charged with Transporting Minor Across State Line
Raymond K. Brown, 33, Rockford, Ill., is charged with transporting a minor across state lines with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity for which a person can be charged with a criminal offense. The indictment alleges that Brown transported a minor from Wisconsin to Illinois on March 12, 2017.
If convicted, Brown 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 Federal Bureau of Investigation, Rockford (Ill.) Police Department, Beloit Police Department, and Sheboygan County Sheriff’s Office. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.
Menomonie Man Charged With Stealing Mail While Employed by Postal Service
Bradley Aasen, 47, Menomonie, Wis., is charged with three counts of stealing a package from the mail and one count of opening mail entrusted to him while an employee of the U.S. Postal Service in Menomonie. The indictment alleges that on March 22, July 27, and Aug. 22, 2016, Aasen stole packages containing prescription narcotics sent from the VA Medical Center in Minneapolis to an individual in Wisconsin. The indictment also alleges that on Feb. 10, 2017, he opened a package entrusted to him which was intended to be conveyed by mail.
If convicted, Aasen faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the U.S. Postal Service Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case will be handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.
Man Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.
Jose Escobar-Laos, 30, a citizen of Honduras found in Dane County, Wis., is charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported. The indictment alleges that he was found in the United States on April 20, 2017
If convicted, Escobar-Laos faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. The prosecution of this case will be handed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
