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.
Superior Resident Charged with Stealing Social Security Benefits
Miranda Jones, 43, Superior, Wis., is charged with converting to her own use Supplemental Security Income benefits intended for the care and support of another person. The indictment alleges that she did so during a period from July 2012 to March 2016.
If convicted, Jones faces a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The charge against her is the result of an investigation by the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner.
Wausau Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Craig C. Gates, 39, Wausau, Wis., is charged with possessing 100 grams or more of heroin with the intent to distribute. He is also charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that he possessed the heroin and a loaded semi-automatic handgun on February 5, 2017.
If convicted, Gates faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison on the drug charge, and a maximum penalty of 10 years on the felon in possession of a firearm charge. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory penalty of five years in federal prison, which would be served consecutively to any sentence imposed on the heroin charge.
The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office - Special Investigations Unit and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard.
Chicago Man Charged With Possessing Fentanyl With Intent to Distribute
Michael Clark, 31, Chicago, is charged with possessing 40 grams or more of Fentanyl. The indictment alleges that he possessed the Fentanyl on Oct. 14, 2015.
If convicted, Clark faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Superior Police Department, Northwest Area Crime Unit, and Douglas County Sheriff’s Department. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney David Reinhard.
Two Inmates Charged with Possessing Weapons
In unrelated cases, two inmates of the Federal Correctional Institution at Oxford, Wis., are charged with possessing prohibited objects, specifically weapons. Kevin Bernard Nailor, 22, is charged with possessing a weapon on Sept. 27, 2016, described as half a scissors with a metal blade measuring five and one-quarter inches in length. Cebrian Omar Sims, 29, is charged with possessing a weapon on Nov. 1, 2016, described as half a scissors with a metal blade measuring five and one-half inches in length.
If convicted, Nailor and Sims each face a maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The charges against them are the result of investigations by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons - Special Investigative Services. The prosecution of these cases is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma.
Mexican Citizen Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.
Genaro Serrato-Reyes, 39, a citizen of Mexico found in Cottage Grove, 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 June 6, 2017.
If convicted, Serrato-Reyes faces a maximum penalty of 10 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 is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson.
Madison Man Previously Charged with Gun Crime Faces Additional Charge
Blair Cook, 23, Madison, Wis., is charged with making a false statement to a federally licensed firearms dealer and with being an unlawful user of marijuana in possession of a firearm. Cook was previously charged in an indictment returned by the grand jury on June 1 with being an unlawful user of marijuana in possession of a.40 caliber pistol and ammunition. The superseding indictment alleges that on April 2, 2017, he made a false statement to Max Creek Outdoors, Inc., in Oregon, Wis., by certifying that he was not an unlawful user of marijuana.
If convicted, Cook 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 Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
