Federal Firearm and Methamphetamine Charges Result From Initiative to Address Violent Crime in Green Bay

United States Attorney Matthew D. Krueger of the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that on November 24, 2020, a federal criminal complaint against John Yang (age: 32) of Green Bay, Wisconsin, was issued stemming from an arrest on November 23, 2020, in the 700 block of West Walnut Street, in the City of Green Bay.

The complaint alleges that Yang possessed methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the drug to others. It further alleges that while resisting arrest, a .22 caliber semi-automatic firearm fell from Yang’s waistband. The firearm was loaded and had an obliterated serial number. Yang, a convicted felon, is prohibited under federal law from ever possessing a firearm. Yang also stands accused of possessing the firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. Based on the current charges and his criminal history, Yang faces a mandatory 15 years of imprisonment and a possible life sentence if convicted on all charges. 

The federal charges resulted from a renewed effort under Project Guardian to join federal and local law enforcement resources to address the recent increase in violent crime in Green Bay.  Through this initiative, federal prosecutors and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) are working with the Brown County District Attorney’s Office and the Green Bay Police Department to identify individuals associated with firearms offenses for federal prosecution. 

“We know that drug trafficking goes hand-in-hand with firearms and violence,” said U.S. Attorney Krueger. “The Justice Department is committed to working with law enforcement partners in Green Bay to ensure that all of its residents can enjoy safe neighborhoods.”

Project Guardian is one of the U.S. Department of Justice’s initiatives to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.  Initiated by the Attorney General in the fall of 2019, Project Guardian draws upon the Department’s past successful programs to reduce gun violence; enhances coordination of federal, state, local, and tribal authorities in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes; improves information-sharing by the ATF when a prohibited individual attempts to purchase a firearm and is denied by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS), to include taking appropriate actions when a prospective purchaser is denied by the NICS for mental health reasons; and ensures that federal resources are directed at the criminals posing the greatest threat to our communities.

A criminal complaint is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt.  The defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove him guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.    

This case was investigated by the Green Bay Police Department. It will be prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Daniel R. Humble.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

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For Additional Information Contact: Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales

Kenneth.Gales@usdoj.gov

414-297-1700

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