Grand Jury returns indictments
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MADISON, WI— Grand Jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments on Wednesday, May 27.
Two Superior Residents charged in drug conspiracy
Christina Nord, 35, and Steven Ranta, 42, both of Superior, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to distribute and to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that the conspiracy operated between December 2 and December 31, 2019.
The indictment also charges Nord with seven counts of distributing methamphetamine and Ranta with five counts of distributing methamphetamine during December 2019.
Eau Claire man charged with drug crime
Marnell Davis, 34, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and with possessing heroin with intent top distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 27, 2020, and that he possessed heroin and 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on April 7, 2020.
The charges against him are the result of an investigation by West Central Drug Task Force, Chippewa, Dunn, and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Departments; Chippewa Falls, Eau Claire, and Menomonie Police Departments; Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation; and the Drug Enforcement Administration.
More Drug Charges
James Dean, 36, LaCrosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the drug on February 5, 2020.
Alexander Cappard, 26, Apple Valley, Minnesota, and Alisha Heiman, 30, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. This is in connection with an incident on March 16, 2020.
Emmanuel O. Stephen, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 100 grams or more of heroin with intent to distribute, and with possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the heroin and cocaine on December 6, 2019.
Gun and Drug Crimes
Thomas R. Olsern, 52, Luck, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that on March 8, 2020, Olsern possessed a .22 caliber pen gun and a loaded .380 caliber handgun.
Phillip Thomas, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing crack cocaine and methamphetamine on March 31 and April 1, 2020, with possessing heroin with intent to distribute on April 3, 2020, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a shotgun and ammunition on April 3, 2020.
Hamin Williams, 37, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and with possessing fentanyl and oxycodone with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that on April 24, 2020, he possessed a loaded .32 caliber pistol and fentanyl and oxycodone.
The indictments charging Thomas, Williams and Olsern have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U. S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasized coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, and violent crimes and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Child Pornography
Gerardo Junior Torres, 23, Chicago, Illinois, is charged with two counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on January 15 and January 21, 2020, he intentionally used a minor to engage in sexually explicit conduct for the purpose of producing a visual depiction of such conduct. If convicted, he faces 15 to 30 years on each count.
Escape
Theodore Thurman, 25, Rockford, Illinois, is charged with escape. The indictment alleges that on January 27, 2020, Thurman failed to remain with the extended limits of his confinement and return within the time prescribed to the Rock Valley Community Programs Center in Janesville, Wisconsin.
The indictments are charges that are merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.