Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Grand Jury Returns Indictments
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.
Madison Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Sylvester Ray Gavins, Jr., 31, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and heroin, with possessing a loaded firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 26, 2021, he possessed cocaine and heroin for distribution and a loaded .40 caliber firearm and .40 caliber ammunition.
If convicted, Gavins faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison on each of the possession with intent to distribute charges, and 10 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The charge of possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime carries a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years in federal prison, which federal law requires to be served consecutive to any other prison term imposed.
The charges against Gavins are the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
Two Dane County Men Charged with Being Felons in Possession of Firearms
Alexander Jefferson-Cooper, 28, and Zendel Rolack, 26, both of Oregon, Wisconsin, are charged with being felons in possession of firearms. The indictment alleges that on September 7, 2021 through October 5, 2021, Jefferson-Cooper possessed a Walther handgun. It further alleges that on October 5, 2021, Rolack possessed a Smith and Wesson revolver, a Cobra handgun, and a Walther handgun.
If convicted, Jefferson-Cooper and Rolack each face a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charges against them are the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg Police Department, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the prosecution.
DeForest Man Charged with Gun Crime
Raymond Poore, 29, DeForest, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that he possessed a loaded 9mm handgun and 9mm ammunition on November 18, 2021.
If convicted, Poore faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Madison and Monona Police Departments, Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Federal Bureau of Investigation, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Milwaukee Man Charged with Gun Crime
Brian D. Mitchell, 32, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that he possessed a Glock 48 handgun and 9mm ammunition on December 22, 2021.
If convicted, Mitchell faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.