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.
Columbia County Business Owner Charged with Tax Crimes
Christa Johnson, 56, Cambria, Wisconsin, is charged in a 17-count indictment with failing to pay payroll and other taxes associated with a business owned by her and with corruptly endeavoring to impede the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The indictment alleges that from July 2015 to January 2017, Johnson was the owner of Johnson Sausage Shoppe, Inc. (JSS), a meat processing plant, grocery store, and catering business in Rio, Wisconsin, and failed to pay over to the IRS federal income taxes, social security taxes, and Medicare taxes withheld from the wages of JSS employees. The indictment also charges that during this same time period, Johnson failed to pay to the IRS all of the employer’s share of Social Security and Medicare (FICA) taxes due on behalf of JSS. The indictment further alleges that Johnson failed to pay to the IRS federal unemployment taxes in 2015 and 2016. Overall, the indictment alleges that Johnson failed to pay $155,936 in taxes owed.
The last count of the indictment charges Johnson with corruptly endeavoring to obstruct and impede the IRS in their collection efforts to obtain payment of the unpaid taxes and their investigation into Johnson’s failure to pay the taxes. The indictment alleges that she intentionally withheld corporate records requested by a grand jury subpoena issued to JSS and that she created a false narrative about other individuals she claimed were responsible for the failure to pay the taxes.
If convicted, Johnson faces a maximum penalty of 5 years in federal prison on each of the seven counts of failing to pay payroll taxes, 1 year for each of the nine counts of failing to pay the employer’s share of FICA taxes and failing to pay unemployment taxes, and 3 years on the charge of corruptly endeavoring to impede the IRS.
The charges against Johnson are the result of an investigation by IRS Criminal Investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Daniel Graber is handling the prosecution.
Two Chicago Men Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Gregorio Arreola Mendoza, 34, and Jose A. Mendoza-Cortez, 32, both of Chicago, Illinois, are charged with possessing 500 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that they possessed the methamphetamine on February 24, 2021.
If convicted, Mendoza and Mendoza-Cortez face a mandatory minimum penalty of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison. The charge against them is the result of an investigation by the Wisconsin State Patrol, West Central Drug Task Force, Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, and Drug Enforcement Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma is handling the prosecution.
La Crosse Man Charged with Possessing Methamphetamine for Distribution
Christopher H. McCartney, 35, La Crosse, Wisconsin, is charged with possessing 50 grams or more of methamphetamine with the intent to distribute. The indictment alleges that he possessed the methamphetamine on April 30, 2021.
If convicted, McCartney faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 5 years and a maximum of 40 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the La Crosse Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Anderson is handling the prosecution.
Chippewa County Man Charged with Gun Crime
Steven Sorensen, 42, Cornell, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 6, 2021, he possessed a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition.
If convicted, Sorensen faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Eau Claire Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is handling the prosecution.
