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Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Western District of Wisconsin

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, April 14, 2021
Timothy M. O’Shea (Acting)
, United States Attorney

Grand Jury Returns Indictments


Two Illinois Men Charged with Armed Robberies of Lake Delton Businesses

Deon Brown, 27, Zion, Illinois, and Cortez Thurmond, 28, North Chicago, Illinois, are charged with robbing two businesses in Lake Delton, Wisconsin. The indictment alleges that Brown and Thurmond robbed Alpha Red Studio and Gifts of the World on July 28, 2020, and that during each robbery the defendants brandished a dangerous weapon at the employees of the businesses.

If convicted, Brown and Thurmond face a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Lake Delton Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Aaron Wegner is handling the prosecution.

Eau Claire Man Charged with Gun Crimes

Gavin Potter, 21, Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is charged with 2 counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that from December 16 to 28, 2020, he possessed a .380 handgun, and that from December 28 to 29, 2020, he possessed a 9mm handgun.

If convicted, Potter faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison on each charge. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.

St. Paul Field Division