MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments yesterday. 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.
BOSCOBEL WOMAN CHARGED WITH BANK FRAUD
Samantha Watters, 33, Boscobel, Wisconsin, is charged with three counts of bank fraud. The indictment alleges that between March 2023 and October 2023, Watters worked as a teller at BMO Harris Bank in Lancaster, Wisconsin, and made unauthorized withdrawals from multiple customer accounts totaling approximately $134,498.
If convicted, Watters faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison on each count.
The charges against Watters are the result of an investigation conducted by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – Office of Inspector General and the Lancaster, Wisconsin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the case.
THREE MEN CHARGED IN SEPARATE CASES WITH ILLEGALLY POSSESSING FIREARMS AND AMMUNITION
Kory Washington, 21, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that on November 19, 2024, Washington possessed of a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P Shield 9mm handgun and Hornady 9mm ammunition.
If convicted, Washington faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The charge against Washington is the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.
James K. Wilder Jr., 19, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that on November 26, 2024, Wilder Jr. possessed a Taurus G2C handgun and .45 caliber ammunition.
If convicted, Wilder Jr. faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The charge against him is the result of an investigation conducted by Fitchburg Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor L. Kraus is handling the case.
Demetrius Howard, 34, Menomonie, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that on December 20, 2024, Howard possessed a loaded Smith & Wesson .40 caliber handgun and ammunition.
If convicted, Howard faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison.
The charge against Howard is the result of an investigation conducted by the Dunn County Sheriff’s Office and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.
All cases involving firearms are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
MAN CHARGED WITH ASSAULTING FCI OXFORD EMPLOYEE
Demetrius Brown, 46, Pekin, Illinois, is charged with assaulting a federal officer and inflicting bodily injury. The indictment alleges that on or about August 24, 2024, Brown physically assaulted and inflicted bodily injury on an employee of the Federal Correctional Institution, Oxford, Wisconsin, while that employee was engaged in the performance of his official duties.
If convicted, Brown faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.
The charge against Brown is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Bureau of Prisons. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case.
