James Stevens, a 42-year-old resident of Madison, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to seven years in federal prison for illegal firearm possession. U.S. District Judge William M. Conley delivered the sentence after Stevens pleaded guilty on December 11, 2024.
The investigation leading to Stevens's arrest was carried out by agents from the Wisconsin Department of Justice. A confidential informant was used to purchase cocaine and heroin from Stevens. A subsequent search of his home resulted in the seizure of 224 grams of cocaine and a loaded Smith & Wesson M&P .40 caliber handgun found hidden in his couch. Due to a prior felony conviction, Stevens is prohibited from legally possessing firearms.
Judge Conley considered Stevens's expressed intent to reform alongside the potential risk he posed to the community when determining the sentence.
The case against Stevens involved collaboration between several agencies, including the Wisconsin Department of Justice Division of Criminal Investigation and the Madison Police Department. The ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force also played a role in the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Louis Glinzak prosecuted the case.
This legal action is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding communities from violent crime.
