Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

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.

Wisconsin Man Charged With Possessing Destructive Devices

James Morgan, 30, of Janesville, is charged with unlawfully possessing destructive devices. The indictment alleges that Morgan possessed the devices on Dec. 21, 2023. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Janesville and Whitewater Police Departments.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith Duchemin for the Western District of Wisconsin, Assistant U.S. Attorney John Scully for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Justin Sher of the Justice Department’s National Security Division’s Counterterrorism Section are prosecuting the case.

Janesville Man Charged With Distributing Cocaine and Possessing Firearms as A Felon

Taiwan R. Edwards, 28, of Janesville, is charged with distributing cocaine, possessing cocaine for distribution and possessing firearms as a felon. The indictment alleges that Edwards distributed cocaine on Aug. 29, 2023, and Sept. 15, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Edwards possessed 500 grams or more of cocaine with intent to distribute on Oct. 4, 2023. Finally, the indictment alleges that on Oct. 4, 2023, Edwards possessed four firearms as a felon.

If convicted, Edwards faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge of possessing 500 grams or more of cocaine for distribution, a maximum of 20 years on the cocaine distribution charges and a maximum of 15 years for possessing firearms as a felon.

The charges against Edwards are the result of an investigation by Janesville Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Stelljes is handling the case.

Madison Man Charged With Drug and Gun Crimes

Joseph P. Rehbein, 32, of Madison, is charged with possessing methamphetamine for distribution and possessing a firearm as a felon. The indictment alleges that Rehbein possessed 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with intent to distribute on Aug. 3, 2023. The indictment also alleges that Rehbein possessed a loaded 9 mm handgun the same day.

If convicted, Rehbein faces a mandatory minimum of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison on the charge alleging possession with intent to distribute 50 or more grams of methamphetamine. The charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm has a maximum penalty of 15 years in federal prison.

The charges against Rehbein are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and ATF. Assistant U.S. Attorney William Levins is handling the prosecution.

The cases against Rehbein and Edwards 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.

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