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 a person named as defendant in an indictment is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

Madison Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm with Machine Gun Conversion Device

Jontrae M. Larsen, 22, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing a firearm as a felon and possessing a firearm with a machine gun conversion device. The indictment alleges that Larsen possessed a Glock 17 handgun with a machine gun conversion device from November 22, 2023, through on or about January 6, 2024.

If convicted of the charge that he possessed a firearm as a felon, Larson faces a maximum penalty of 15 years in prison. The machine gun charge carries a 10-year maximum penalty.

A machine gun conversion device converts a handgun from semi-automatic to fully automatic. Machine gun conversion devices are illegal, as are any firearms with the devices.

The charges against Larsen are the result of an investigation conducted by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force consisting of federal agents from ATF and Task Force Officers (TFOs) from local agencies including the Dane County and Clark County Sheriff's Offices and the Fitchburg, Madison, Sun Prairie, and La Crosse Police Departments. The Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Waunakee, Deforest, and Monona Police Departments also assisted with the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Ayala is handling the case.

This case has 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.

Minnesota Man Charged with Possessing Fentanyl and Heroin for Distribution

Ernest N.R. McCurty, 42, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 40 grams or more of a mixture containing fentanyl and heroin intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that McCurty possessed the mixture on or about November 7, 2023.

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

The charge against McCurty is the result of an investigation by the Columbia County Sheriff's Office and the Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colleen Lennon is handling the case.

Black River Falls Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution

Michael B. Kingsley, 43, Black River Falls, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that Kingsley possessed the methamphetamine on or about November 8, 2023.

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

The charge against Kingsley was the result of investigation by the Monroe County Sherriff's Office and the Fort McCoy Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Kathryn Ginsberg is handling the case.