MADISON, WI – A federal grand jury in Madison, Wisconsin, has handed down indictments in three separate cases involving drug trafficking and illegal firearms, signaling a renewed push by federal authorities to crack down on violent crime in the state. The indictments, announced today, are part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a Justice Department initiative focused on coordinating law enforcement efforts to combat gun violence and drug-related offenses.
Joshua Stein, 29, of Cornell, Wisconsin, is facing serious charges related to a methamphetamine distribution operation. The indictment alleges that Stein distributed methamphetamine in February 2019, and that on April 8, 2019, he possessed two handguns alongside 50 grams or more of the drug with the intent to distribute. If convicted on the two counts alleging 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, Stein faces a mandatory minimum of five years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. Additional charges carry a maximum penalty of 20 years each. Crucially, the charge of possessing firearms during drug trafficking carries a mandatory minimum five-year sentence to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The West Central Drug Task Force and Cornell Police Department spearheaded the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert A. Anderson handling the prosecution.
In Madison, Martell Norris, 37, is accused of possessing 28 grams or more of crack cocaine and cocaine with intent to distribute, as well as possessing a loaded semi-automatic handgun during the commission of the alleged drug crimes. The indictment states that Norris possessed these items on May 16, 2019. Norris could face up to 40 years in prison if convicted on the crack cocaine charge, and up to 20 years on the cocaine charge. Again, the firearms charge carries a mandatory minimum of five years, to be served consecutively. A separate charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm adds another potential 10-year sentence. The Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation conducted the investigation, and First Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea is prosecuting the case.
A third indictment targets Demarious Gray, 28, also of Madison, Wisconsin. Gray is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and possessing heroin and crack cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment details that on October 9, 2017, Gray allegedly possessed a loaded .40 caliber handgun, heroin, and crack cocaine. Gray faces a maximum of 10 years for the firearm charge, 20 years for the drug charge, and a mandatory minimum of five years consecutive for the firearms charge related to drug trafficking.
These cases highlight the persistent problem of firearms falling into the hands of convicted felons and being used in conjunction with drug trafficking. The Department of Justice is clear: illegally possessing guns while dealing drugs will be met with aggressive prosecution and substantial prison sentences.
As with all indictments, these defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Grimy Times will continue to follow these cases as they move through the federal court system, providing updates on any developments and sentencing outcomes. The relentless cycle of drugs and guns continues to plague communities across the nation, and these indictments represent just a small piece of the ongoing battle.
Related Federal Cases
- Mole Lake Reservation Drug Kingpins Sentenced: Quintana Trio Face Decades Behind Bars · Wisconsin
- Corona Drug Kingpin Perry Hicks Sentenced to 11 Years for Meth Conspiracy · Wisconsin
- Diana Xiong Charged in Meth, Gun Crimes · Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Man Faces Life Behind Bars in ‘Operation Legend’ Drug & Gun Case · Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Man Sentenced for Meth Distribution and Gun Crime · Wisconsin
Key Facts
- State: Wisconsin
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Organized Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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