By Shereen Siewert
A 53-year-old Medford man was indicted Wednesday on federal gun charges in Madison, according to a Wisconsin Department of Justice news release.
Michael Alexander faces charges of possession of a firearm and ammunition as a felon. The indictment alleges that on Dec. 29, 2019, he possessed a loaded .45 caliber pistol and ammunition, which is prohibited due to a prior felony conviction.
If convicted, Alexander faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Marathon County Sheriff’s Office and Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey C. Stephan is handing the prosecution.
Two additional indictments were announced Wednesday by the DOJ that are 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 crimes and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.
Also indicted:
Justin Harris, 24, and Robert ONeal, 33, both of Chicago, Illinois, are charged with two armed robberies of Madison, Wisconsin businesses and brandishing a firearm during each robbery.
The indictment alleges that Harris and ONeal robbed the Northside Liquor Store on North Sherman Avenue on Jan. 25, 2020, and that they brandished a firearm during the robbery. The indictment further alleges that Harris and ONeal robbed the Citgo gas station on Northport Drive on the same day, and that they brandished a firearm during the robbery.
If convicted, Harris and ONeal face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each armed robbery charge, and a mandatory minimum penalty of seven years in federal prison on each charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence. Federal law requires that any penalty imposed for the charge of brandishing a firearm during a crime of violence be served consecutive to any other sentence imposed.
