A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin has returned four indictments. The charges, announced yesterday, emphasize that each individual named in an indictment is presumed innocent until proven guilty.
In Wausau, Wisconsin, Christopher Harter, 49, faces a two-count indictment for possession of fentanyl and methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment specifies that on March 7, 2025, Harter possessed over 40 grams of fentanyl and over 50 grams of methamphetamine. If convicted, he could face a minimum of five years to a maximum of 40 years in prison per count. This charge results from an investigation by a multi-agency task force, which includes the FBI and several local and state law enforcement agencies. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the case.
Elvin Amundson, 39, from Sparta, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing more than 500 grams of methamphetamine for distribution on April 14, 2021. Amundson faces a potential minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life in prison if convicted. The investigation was conducted by the FBI alongside the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is prosecuting the case.
Edward L. Jackson III, 28, of Rothschild, Wisconsin, is indicted for illegal possession of a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges he possessed a loaded Sig Sauer pistol on May 20, 2024. Jackson faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted. The investigation was jointly conducted by the Wausau Police Department and the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force, with assistance from the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger is prosecuting.
Lastly, Mario Govea-Monarca, 23, a Mexican citizen, has been charged with reentering the United States after previous removal. Found in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, on November 29, 2023, this indictment cites his reentry without the express consent of relevant U.S. authorities. The charge carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison. This investigation was carried out by the Department of Homeland Security and Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the prosecution.
Both the illegal immigration and firearms cases are part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling criminal organizations.
