MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Eric Howard, 38, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 10 years in federal prison for distributing cocaine and discharging a firearm in furtherance of that drug trafficking crime. Howard pleaded guilty to these charges on June 28, 2018. His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.
On Sept. 25, 2017, Howard distributed 38 grams of cocaine to Jesse Beadles. Beadles had arranged for the purchase, and he knew he was not going to pay Howard for the cocaine. Beadles took possession of the cocaine and began walking out of the restaurant where Howard was working, and where the distribution of the cocaine took place. In response, Howard shot Beadles in the back. As Beadles was lying on the ground, Howard stood over him and retrieved the cocaine. Howard never called 911 and never requested help. Howard admitted that he had sold cocaine numerous times in the past, and that he shot Beadles. The cocaine, a Taurus 9mm pistol, and a shell casing were all located at the restaurant.
Judge Peterson noted that this was a “spectacularly violent crime" and innocent people could have been hurt.
Beadles was also convicted for his role in the offense, and on Aug. 14, 2018, he was sentenced to five years in prison.
This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence.
The charges against Howard were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, Violent Crime Unit. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
