MADISON, WI – Devin Crayton, 33, of Madison, Wisconsin, is headed to federal prison for six years after admitting to illegally possessing a firearm. U.S. District Judge James Peterson handed down the sentence yesterday, concluding Crayton is beyond the point of blaming a troubled past for his repeated criminal behavior.
The case began January 11, 2022, when Crayton discharged a firearm inside his girlfriend’s residence. Verona Police responded and arrested Crayton, subsequently obtaining a search warrant. Inside the home, officers discovered an unloaded Taurus 9mm handgun and a magazine loaded with four live rounds. A bullet hole, originating in an upstairs hallway and traveling into the living area, further revealed the danger posed by Crayton’s actions. Authorities also recovered a stolen police captain’s badge and handcuff case.
Crayton confessed to a history of “car shopping” – a euphemism for vehicle theft – and admitted to taking the bag containing the stolen police items. He initially claimed the gun discharge was accidental, a “negligent discharge” after only briefly handling the weapon. However, a witness contradicted this account, stating Crayton habitually carried the firearm, had previously pointed it at her, and fired it in the house as a crude attempt to rouse others while seeking methamphetamine.
Federal prosecutors presented evidence of additional illegal gun possession, noting Crayton was arrested on March 27, 2022, with two handguns and a short-barrel shotgun. This pattern of behavior clearly demonstrated a disregard for the law, and a continuing threat to public safety. Crayton’s prior felony conviction, and time served in Nevada prison, legally prohibited him from possessing any firearms.
Judge Peterson, during sentencing, highlighted the “aggravating factor” of Crayton’s immediate re-offending. Despite being released on state charges following his initial arrest, Crayton allegedly acquired even more guns, showcasing a blatant disregard for the legal system and a continuing commitment to criminal activity. The judge expressed skepticism about the “negligent discharge” claim, citing the witness testimony and the overall circumstances of the case.
The investigation was a joint effort between the Verona Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted the case, which was brought as part of the Department of Justice’s Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative – a program focused on reducing violent crime through coordinated law enforcement efforts targeting illegal gun possession and related offenses.
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