Grand Jury Returns Indictments

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.

Madison Man Charged with Drug and Gun Crimes

Gairitt Schad, 27, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking crimes, and possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. The indictment alleges that on April 17, 2025, Schad possessed cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin, all intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, he possessed a loaded handgun in furtherance of his drug trafficking crimes, and that he possessed a Smith & Wesson M&P 40 Shield .40 caliber handgun and ammunition as a convicted felon.

If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison. If convicted of the charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of drug trafficking, Schad faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison. The charge for possessing cocaine and heroin intended for distribution carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. The felon in possession charge carries a maximum penalty of 15 years.

The charges against Schad are the result of an investigation conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consists of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers from state and local agencies throughout the Western District of Wisconsin. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

Eau Claire Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Jason Bloedow, 41, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing methamphetamine, possessing methamphetamine intended for distribution, and maintaining a drug involved premises. The indictment alleges that Bloedow sold methamphetamine on March 19 and April 15, 2025, the second buy involving 50 grams or more. The indictment also alleges that Bloedow possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution on April 25, 2025, and used his residence as a drug involved premises.

If convicted of the charge involving 500 grams or more, Bloedow faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years in prison and a maximum penalty of life in prison. If convicted of the charge involving 50 grams or more, he faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years. The distribution charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years, and the drug premises charge carries a maximum penalty of 10 years.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the West Central Drug Task Force, the Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices, and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Dunn County and Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.

Madison Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

Noah A. Hodges, 43, Madison, Wisconsin is charged with possessing 50 grams or more methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Hodges possessed the methamphetamine on February 6, 2025.

If convicted, Hodges faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

The charge against Hodges is the result of an investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group, Wisconsin State Patrol, and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is handling the case.

Wausau Man Charged with Methamphetamine Trafficking

Austin Heil, 27, Wausau, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on February 20, 2024.

If convicted, Heil faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison.

The charge against Heil is the result of an investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force comprised of investigators from the FBI, Wisconsin State Patrol, Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, Portage County Sheriff’s Office, Mountain Bay Police Department, Wausau Police Department and Wisconsin National Guard Counter Drug Program. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also assisted with the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling the case.

Fitchburg Man Charged with Drug Trafficking and Illegally Possessing Loaded Firearm

Jalen Hayes, 25, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing controlled substances intended for distribution, possessing a loaded firearm as a convicted felon, and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime. The indictment alleges that on July 25, 2025, Hayes possessed a mixture of fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone, and heroin intended for distribution. The indictment further alleges that on the same day, Hayes possessed a loaded Radikal Arms RPX9 Exodus 9mm handgun as a convicted felon and further that he possessed that handgun in furtherance of the drug trafficking crime.

If convicted of the drug charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. If convicted of the felon in possession charge, Hayes faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The charge involving possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in prison, and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The charges against him are the result of an investigation conducted by the Fitchburg Police Department and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the case.

** Federal cases involving drugs and 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).

Note: An earlier version of this release stated that Austin Heil was also charged with illegally possessing a firearm. That information was incorrect, and the release has been corrected.