U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
Grand Jury Returns Indictments
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Wisconsin
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.
Two Vernon County Residents Charged with Drug Crimes Involving Methamphetamine & Fentanyl
Stanley J. Holte, 33, and Julia A. Lloyd, 40, both of Coon Valley, Wisconsin, are charged with conspiring to distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. The indictment alleges that the amount of methamphetamine involved in the conspiracy is 500 grams or more. The indictment further alleges that the conspiracy operated from February through June 2023.
Holte and Lloyd also are charged with maintaining a drug house for the purpose of distributing methamphetamine and fentanyl, specifically a place in Coon Valley. The indictment also charges that on June 12, 2023, Holte and Lloyd possessed 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute. The indictment also seeks the forfeiture of $58,104 in U.S. currency alleged to be proceeds of the drug conspiracy.
If convicted, Holte and Lloyd face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison on the two charges alleging 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. The charge of maintaining a drug house has a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison. The charges against Holte and Lloyd are the result of an investigation by the Vernon and La Crosse County Sheriffs’ Offices, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Campbell, La Crosse, and Onalaska Police Departments. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution & Gun Crimes
Benjamin W. Thoreson, 42, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime, and being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on August 2, 2023, Thoreson possessed methamphetamine for distribution and two loaded handguns.
f convicted, Thoreson faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on the methamphetamine charge and a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of life on the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for the charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed. The charge of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition has a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.
The charges against Thoreson are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Briante C. Banks, 30, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on May 2, 2023, he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Banks faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department, La Crosse County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crime
Nathaniel R. Larson, 25, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on July 11, 2023, Larson possessed a loaded 9mm handgun.
If convicted, Larson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department, West Central Drug Task Force, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
The Thoreson, Banks, and Larson indictments have been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Updated August 30, 2023
Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Drug Trafficking
Component