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 yesterday. You are advised that a charge is merely an accusation and that a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.
La Crosse Man Charged with Drug & Gun Crimes
Kareem Nellum, 29, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with distributing fentanyl, possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl with the intent to distribute, and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 29, 2022, Nellum distributed fentanyl, and that on March 30, 2022, he possessed 40 grams or more of fentanyl for distribution and a Smith and Wesson pistol and 9mm ammunition.
If convicted, Nellum faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on the fentanyl distribution charge, a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years on the charge of possessing 40 grams or more of fentanyl for distribution, and a maximum of 10 years on the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Taylor Kraus is handling the investigation.
Fitchburg Man Charged with Illegally Possessing Firearm
Johnluke Spears, 31, Fitchburg, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on December 21, 2021, he possessed a .40 caliber handgun.
If convicted, Spears faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Fitchburg, Middleton, and Sun Prairie Police Departments; Dane County Sheriff’s Office; Federal Bureau of Investigation; and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the investigation.