Federal Grand Jury Returns Indictments

MADISON—A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin, sitting in Madison, returned the following indictments today. A charge is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

Marshfield Man Charged with Civil Rights and Gun Crimes

Ralph Lang, 63, Marshfield, Wisconsin, is charged with attempting to injure, to intimidate, and to interfere with persons participating in and enjoying the benefits of a program and activity receiving federal financial assistance. The indictment alleges that he did so on May 25, 2011 and that his acts included the attempted use of a dangerous weapon, specifically a firearm, and an attempt to kill. The second count of the indictment charges Lang with using a firearm in relation to a crime of violence.

As alleged in a complaint filed in U.S. District Court on May 26, 2011, Lang traveled from Marshfield to Madison, Wisconsin on May 25, 2011. While practicing with his handgun, he discharged a bullet through the door of his hotel room into the room across the hall. Madison Police responded, and Lang was arrested for reckless endangerment. The complaint further alleged that in statements to police, he admitted that he had traveled to Madison to kill individuals performing abortions.

Lang has remained in custody since his arrest, pending a competency evaluation and hearing in federal court.

If convicted, Lang faces a maximum penalty of life in prison on the first count in the indictment, and a mandatory 10 years in federal prison on the second count, to be served consecutively to any other sentence imposed. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation. The prosecution of this case is being handled by United States Attorney John W. Vaudreuil, Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman, and Forrest Christian, Special Litigation Counsel of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division.

Deerfield Man Charged with Gun Crime

Giovanni O. Collazo-Santiago, 28, Deerfield, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. The indictment alleges that on March 17, 2012, he possessed a 9mm pistol, a .45 caliber pistol, and ammunition. Collazo-Santiago was arrested on March 17, 2012 following an early morning incident on the west side of Madison, in which the occupant of a vehicle fired several shots at another vehicle.

If convicted, Collazo-Santiago faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Kevin F. Burke.

Nekoosa Man Charged with Failing to Update Registration as Sex Offender

Christopher Jose, 30, Nekoosa, Wisconsin, is charged with failing to update his registration as required by the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). The indictment alleges that he was a sex offender required to register under SORNA based on a federal conviction, and that between July 2011 and January 2012, he failed to update his registration as required.

If convicted, Jose faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison. The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the U.S. Marshals Service. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.

Norwalk Man Charged with OWI

Christopher M. Arnold, 32, Norwalk, Wisconsin, is charged with operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of an intoxicant, operating a motor vehicle while having a prohibited alcohol concentration, and operating a motor vehicle after revocation. Arnold was arrested on October 23, 2011 on the grounds of Fort McCoy, a federal military installation.

If convicted, Arnold faces a mandatory minimum penalty of six months and a maximum penalty of six years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and his driver’s license revoked for a period of three years. The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Fort McCoy Police Department. The prosecution of this case has been assigned to Assistant U.S. Attorney Elizabeth Altman.