MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments [Wednesday]. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Wisconsin Man Charged with Possessing Destructive Devices
James Morgan, 30, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with unlawfully possessing destructive devices. The indictment alleges that Morgan possessed the devices on December 21, 2023.
If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Janesville and Whitewater Police Departments.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin for the Western District of Wisconsin, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.
Illinois Man Charged with Drug Crimes
Jerry Tate, a/k/a/ “Blue,” 51, Waukegan, Illinois, is charged with drug crimes involving fentanyl and methamphetamine. The indictment alleges that between September 22, 2022 and May 4, 2023, Tate distributed fentanyl on four occasions and distributed a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and methamphetamine on one occasion. The indictment further alleges that on May 5, 2023, Tate possessed 50 grams or more of a mixture or substance containing fentanyl and methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
If convicted, Tate faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of fentanyl and methamphetamine for distribution. He faces maximum penalties of 20 years on each of the distribution charges.
The charges against Tate are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse, Campbell, and Onalaska Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Distributing Methamphetamine
Joshua Reedy, 30, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine and possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that Reedy distributed methamphetamine on September 28, 2023 and October 2, 2023. The indictment also alleges that on October 4, 2023, Reedy distributed methamphetamine and possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute.
If convicted, Reedy faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge of possessing with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. He faces maximum penalties of 20 years on each distribution charge.
The charges against Reedy are the result of an investigation by the West Central Drug Task Force, Chippewa County Sheriff’s Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, Eau Claire Police Department, Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Eau Claire Sheriff’s Department, and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is prosecuting the case.
Janesville Man Charged with Distributing Cocaine and Possessing Firearms as A Felon
Taiwan R. Edwards, 28, Janesville, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing cocaine, possessing cocaine for distribution, and possessing firearms as a felon. The indictment alleges that Edwards distributed cocaine on August 29, 2023 and September 15, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Edwards possessed 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute on October 4, 2023. Finally, the indictment alleges that on October 4, 2023, Edwards possessed four firearms as a felon.
If convicted, Edwards faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge of possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine for distribution, a maximum of 20 years on the cocaine distribution charges, and a maximum of 15 years for possessing firearms as a felon.
The charges against Edwards are the result of an investigation by Janesville Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes is handling the case.
Madison Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes
Joseph P. Rehbein, 32, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing methamphetamine for distribution and possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that Rehbein possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on August 3, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Rehbein possessed a loaded 9 mm handgun the same day.
If convicted, Rehbein faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge alleging possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm has a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The charges against Rehbein are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Levins is handling the prosecution.
The cases against Rehbein and Edwards have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes 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 and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Last Update: Jan 11, 2024 9:47 am CST
