The Sconi

A federal grand jury in the Western District of Wisconsin has returned indictments against several individuals on charges related to drug trafficking and firearms offenses. The cases were announced in Madison, with authorities reminding the public that an indictment is only an accusation and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

Gairitt Schad, 27, of Madison, is charged with possession of cocaine, 50 grams or more of methamphetamine, and heroin intended for distribution. He is also accused of possessing a loaded handgun during alleged drug trafficking activities and being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. If convicted on the methamphetamine charge alone, Schad faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years and up to forty years in prison. Additional charges carry potential sentences ranging from five to twenty years for drug-related offenses and up to fifteen years for the felon-in-possession charge. The investigation was conducted by the Dane County Narcotics Task Force and the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan is prosecuting.

Jason Bloedow, 41, from Eau Claire, faces charges including distributing methamphetamine, possessing it with intent to distribute, and maintaining a premises for drug activity. The indictment alleges two sales in March and April 2025—one involving over fifty grams—and possession of at least 500 grams intended for distribution later that month. Conviction on these counts could result in penalties ranging from ten years to life imprisonment depending on the specific offense. Agencies involved include the West Central Drug Task Force; Dunn County and Chippewa County Sheriff’s Offices; U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration; with assistance from local district attorney’s offices. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer Remington is handling this case.

Noah A. Hodges, 43, also from Madison, is charged with possession of fifty grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution as alleged on February 6, 2025. He faces a minimum penalty of five years and up to forty years if convicted. The investigation involved multiple agencies including the DEA; ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force; Dane County Narcotics Task Force; Lake Winnebago Area Metropolitan Enforcement Group; Wisconsin State Patrol; and Madison Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson is prosecuting.

Austin Heil, 27, Wausau resident, was indicted for allegedly possessing fifty grams or more of methamphetamine intended for distribution on February 20, 2024. Potential penalties range from five to forty years if convicted. This case was investigated by members of the FBI’s Central Wisconsin Narcotics Task Force—a group made up of investigators from several state law enforcement agencies—and supported by the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force as well as other local agencies named above.

Jalen Hayes, age 25 from Fitchburg, faces charges that include possession with intent to distribute fentanyl, cocaine, oxycodone and heroin; illegal possession of a loaded firearm as a felon; and having a firearm during an alleged drug trafficking crime on July 25th this year. Convictions could lead to maximum sentences between fifteen years (for felon-in-possession) up to life imprisonment (for firearms during trafficking). Fitchburg Police Department joined forces with ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force in this investigation.

These cases are part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide Department of Justice initiative targeting illegal immigration-related crime as well as cartels and transnational criminal organizations through collaboration among OCDETFs (Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces) and Project Safe Neighborhoods.

An earlier version incorrectly stated that Austin Heil faced firearms charges; this has since been corrected.