MADISON, WIS. — This is an official press release from the U.S. Department of Justice (USAO - Wisconsin, Western), published as received.
MADISON, WIS. – A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
La Crosse Man Charged with Producing Child Pornography
Thomas J. Hook, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with 6 counts of producing child pornography. The indictment alleges that on six occasions in March and July 2020, Hook used a cellular phone to produce a video of a minor engaged in sexually explicit conduct.
If convicted, Hook faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years and a maximum of 30 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Coulee Region Children’s Internet Protection Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the prosecution.
Illinois Man Charged with Child Pornography Crimes
John Woodward, 32, Oregon, Illinois, is charged with two counts of knowingly accessing a file containing a visual depiction of child pornography. The indictment alleges that he accessed the files on June 27 and August 10, 2020, and that the visual depictions involved a minor who had not attained 12 years of age.
If convicted, Woodward faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of 20 years in federal prison on each count. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman is handling the investigation.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Methamphetamine
Steven S. McCurdy, 63, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of distributing methamphetamine and one count of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he distributed methamphetamine on November 30, 2020 and March 1, 2021, and that he possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine on March 1, 2021.
If convicted, McCurdy faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each distribution charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge of possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute.
The charges against McCurdy are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse and Campbell Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Madison Man Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Cocaine and Crack Cocaine
Kyle Parker, 35, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing crack cocaine with the intent to distribute and with possessing cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that on April 3, 2021, he possessed 280 grams or more of crack cocaine and 500 grams or more of cocaine.
If convicted, Parker faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Madison Police Department, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Diane Schlipper is handling the prosecution.
Waupaca Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Justin M. Baumgardt, 36, Waupaca, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on May 26, 2021.
If convicted, Baumgardt faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Barron County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Zachary Corey is handling the prosecution.
Minnesota Man Charged with Possessing Cocaine for Distribution
Lashawn M. Bennett, 50, Saint Paul, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine on March 17, 2021.
If convicted, Bennett faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
