MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Tony D. Smith, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to four years in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Smith pleaded guilty to this charge on October 23, 2018.

On August 10, 2018, Madison Police Department patrol officers heard a gunshot in a public parking ramp in downtown Madison.  The parking ramp’s security guard reported that he observed the driver of a red Dodge sedan discharge a firearm at three individuals in the ramp before speeding out of the ramp and striking through the exit’s stop arm.  Security video showed the license plate of the vehicle, and an MPD officer located it shortly afterwards.  Officers followed the car and conducted a high-risk traffic stop in an apartment parking lot.  They identified the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle as Smith, but no firearm was located in the vehicle. Officers searched the parking ramp and located a 9mm shell casing.  The following day, a citizen located a 9mm firearm near the apartment complex where Smith was arrested, and called the police. The firearm had one round in the chamber.  Investigation revealed the firearm was owned by Smith’s girlfriend.

Given Smith’s criminal history and background, Judge Conley rejected his request for an 18-month sentence.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.   

The charge against Smith was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow. 

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.

Beloit Man Charged with Transporting Minor Across State Lines

Larry Woods, 62, Beloit, Wisconsin, is charged with two counts of transporting a minor across state lines with the intent that the minor engage in sexual activity.  The indictment alleges that he transported a minor from Wisconsin to Illinois on May 4 and 10, 2018.

Woods made an initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Madison today.   His trial has been scheduled for February 4, 2019.

If convicted, Woods faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years and a maximum of life in federal prison.  The charges against him are the result of an investigation by the Beloit Police Department and Federal Bureau of Investigation.   The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Julie Pfluger.

Madison Man Charged with Gun Crime

Tony D. Smith, 30, Madison, Wisconsin, is charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  The indictment alleges that on August 10, 2018, he possessed a 9mm pistol and ammunition.

If convicted, Smith faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Violent Crimes Unit of the Madison Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita Rumbelow.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.



Minneapolis Man Charged with Drug Crime Involving Heroin & Fentanyl

Fred McGee, 45, Minneapolis, Minnesota, is charged with possessing 100 grams or more of a mixture containing heroin and fentanyl, with the intent to distribute.  The indictment alleges that he possessed the mixture of drugs on January 31, 2018.

If convicted, McGee faces a mandatory minimum penalty of five years and a maximum penalty of 40 years in federal prison.  The charge against him is the result of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration, Dunn County Sheriff’s Office, and Menomonie Police Department.  The prosecution of this case is being handled by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Chadwick Elgersma. 

Three Charged with Illegally Reentering U.S.

In unrelated cases and in separate indictments, three individuals have been charged with illegally reentering the United States after previously being deported.

Rodrigo Miranda-Arias, 39, a citizen of Mexico, was found in the Town of Madison, Wisconsin, on April 15, 2018.  Franklin Antonio Cruz-Velasquez, 31, a citizen of Honduras, was found in Madison, Wisconsin, on July 31, 2018.  Paulino Gonzalez-Zarate, 27, a citizen of Mexico, was found in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, on August 2, 2018.

If convicted, each defendant faces a maximum penalty of two years in federal prison.  The charges against them are the result of investigations by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.  The prosecution of Miranda-Arias and Cruz-Velasquez is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Darren Halverson, and the prosecution of Gonzalez-Zarate is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan.