James Morgan, Destructive Devices, Wisconsin 2024

MADISON, WI – Federal agents have cracked down on a trio of cases involving drugs and firearms in southern and central Wisconsin, culminating in five indictments handed down by a grand jury this week. The charges, ranging from possessing illegal explosives to large-scale drug trafficking and felonious firearm possession, signal a renewed push by federal authorities to stem the flow of illicit goods and violent crime in the region.

The most alarming case involves James Morgan, 30, of Janesville, who is accused of possessing destructive devices on December 21, 2023. While details on the nature of these devices remain scarce, the charge carries a hefty potential sentence: up to 10 years in federal prison if convicted. The investigation was a joint effort between the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and local police departments in Janesville and Whitewater.

Also facing serious charges is Taiwan R. Edwards, 28, of Janesville. Edwards is alleged to have distributed cocaine on multiple occasions – August 29, 2023, and September 15, 2023 – and possessed a staggering 500 grams or more of the drug with intent to distribute on October 4, 2023. To compound matters, authorities claim Edwards possessed four firearms on that same date despite being a convicted felon. If found guilty, Edwards could face anywhere from 5 years to a maximum of 40 years behind bars. The investigation was led by the Janesville Police Department, the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the ATF.

In Madison, Joseph P. Rehbein, 32, is accused of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on August 3, 2023. Adding to the severity of the charges, Rehbein allegedly had a loaded 9mm handgun in his possession on the same day, violating federal law as a convicted felon. A conviction could land Rehbein with a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in prison for the drug charge, plus another 15 years for the firearm offense. The Madison Police Department and ATF spearheaded this investigation.

Federal prosecutors are emphasizing the coordinated approach to these cases, highlighting that both the Edwards and Rehbein indictments are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Department of Justice program designed to reduce violent crime. This initiative stresses collaboration between federal and state agencies to target gun crime, particularly by individuals with prior convictions, and address related drug offenses. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Meredith Duchemin, John Scully, Megan Stelljes, William Levins and Trial Attorney Justin Sher are prosecuting the cases.

As with all indictments, these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. However, the charges paint a grim picture of illegal activity thriving in Wisconsin, and the Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they unfold, bringing you the unvarnished truth about federal crime and justice.

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