Drug and gun crimes are latest indictments by Federal Grand Jury

MADISON, WIS — A federal grand jury returned a number of indictments on September 20th for drug and gun crimes. They included the following.

Chippewa Falls

A 42-year-old Chippewa Falls man, Brandon Herman, is charged with gun and drug crimes involving methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that on May 24, 2023, Herman was a felon in possession of firearms, that he possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, that he possessed fentanyl with intent to distribute, that he maintained a drug house, and that he possessed a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

The indictment alleges that he maintained a place in the Township of Lafayette in Chippewa County for the purposed of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, and that he possessed four handguns and a rifle.

If convicted, Herman faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison on the charge of being a felon in possession of firearms, a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine for distribution, a maximum of 20 years on the fentanyl charge, and a maximum of 20 years on the charge of maintaining a drug house. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug crime has a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum of life; federal law requires that any sentence imposed on this charge be served consecutive to any other prison sentence imposed.

The Charges against Herman are the results of an investigation by the Chippewa County Sheriff and Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office, West Central Drug Task Force, St. Paul, Minnesota Police Department, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive.

Pepin County Man

Jesse Turnmire, 34, Durand, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on July 7, 2023, Turnmire possessed 22-caliber revolver ammunition.

If convicted, Turnmire faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charges against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

Three Madison Men

Steven P. Dixon, 30, and Tysean J. Pollard, 22, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged with distributing fentanyl on June 6, 2023. 

The indictment also charges that on June 21, 2023, Dixon distributed 40 grams or more of fentanyl, and that on July 28, 2023, he possessed 400 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute. The indictment also charges that Dixon was a felon in possession of ammunition.

If convicted, Pollard faces a maximum penalty of 20 yeas in federal prison. Dixon faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on each of the of the two charges alleging 40 grams of more of fentanyl, and 15 years on the charges of being a felon in position of ammunition.

Kendal J. Harris, 28, Madison is charged in a six-count indictment with drug offenses involving fentanyl. The indictment charges that between July 11 and August 17, 2023, Harris distributed fentanyl on five occasions, with one count alleging the distribution of 40 grams or more of fentanyl. The indictment also charges that on August 24, 2023, Harris possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl with intent to distribute.

LaCrosse man charged with gun crime

Shane L. Tucker, 30, LaCrosse, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm.