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 Oct. 23, 2018.
On Aug. 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.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
