Grand Jury Returns Three Indictments

MADISON, WIS. - A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned three 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.

Two Madison Men Charged with Passing Counterfeit Money

Cornelius Stewart, 30, and Alex J. Stubbs, 26, both of Madison, Wisconsin, are charged in a 32-count indictment with conspiring to pass counterfeit obligations of the United States and with passing counterfeit $100 bills with intent to defraud. The indictment alleges that the two men passed counterfeit bills and attempted to pass counterfeit bills at businesses in Dane, Monroe, and Jefferson Counties between July and December 2023.

If convicted of the conspiracy charge, Stewart and Stubbs face maximum penalties of 5 years in prison. The men face maximum penalties of 20 years on each of the charges involving passing or attempting to pass counterfeit bills.

The charges against Stewart and Stubbs are the result of an investigation by the United States Secret Service and police departments from Madison, Verona, Fitchburg, Shorewood Hills, Cottage Grove, Marshall, Sun Prairie, Tomah, and Oconomowoc. Assistant United States Attorney Robert Anderson is handling the prosecution.

Mexican National Faces Additional Charge of Possessing Cocaine for Distribution

Eli Torres-Banos, 36, a citizen of Mexico residing in Watertown, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 5 kilograms or more of cocaine intended for distribution. The indictment alleges that he possessed the cocaine on or about December 6, 2023.

Torres-Banos was charged on November 29, 2023, with being found in the United States after having been removed. The indictment alleged that he was found in the United States on June 7, 2023. He pled guilty to the offense on March 15, 2024, and his sentencing is scheduled for June 4, 2024, before U.S. Chief Judge James D. Peterson.

If convicted on the new drug charge, Torres-Banos faces a minimum penalty of ten years and a maximum penalty of life in prison.

The charges against Torres-Banos are the result of investigations conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Jefferson County Drug Task Force, Watertown Police Department, and U.S. Immigration & Customs Enforcement. Assistant United States Attorneys Steven P. Anderson and Steven C. Ayala are handing the case.

Madison Man Charged with Multiple Drug Crimes

Kyle Evans, 33, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged in a nine-count indictment with distributing cocaine and methamphetamine, distributing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, possessing for distribution and distributing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine, and maintaining a drug trafficking place. The indictment alleges that Evans committed all these acts between January 29, 2024 and April 9, 2024.

If convicted, Evans faces a minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life in prison for each of the charges involving 500 grams or more. He faces a minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison for each of the charges involving 50 grams or more. The remaining charges in the indictment each carry a maximum penalty of 20 years.

The charges against Evans are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department, Dane County Narcotics Task Force, Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation, and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak is handling the prosecution.