Keith T. Jones, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Wisconsin 2021

A drive-by shooting in La Crosse, Wisconsin, on August 24, 2020, has led to a 30-month prison sentence for Keith T. Jones, 28, of Chicago, Illinois. Jones was found to be in possession of a firearm, a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun, in the gray minivan involved in the shooting.

According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Western District of Wisconsin, Jones pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on December 15, 2021. The firearm was identified as the same one used in the shooting, and Jones's DNA was found on the weapon.

The La Crosse Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation, with assistance from the La Crosse County District Attorney's Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven P. Anderson prosecuted the case.

Jones's case was 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.

Co-defendant Antwan Taylor, who was also involved in the drive-by shooting, previously pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 5 years in federal prison by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson on December 2, 2021.

At sentencing, Judge Peterson noted that Jones's gun possession was connected to a shooting that posed a profound risk to the community, including both the intended targets and bystanders. The judge said the sentence was meant to be a deterrent to prevent any future involvement with firearms and to send a message that shootings in communities will lead to steeper punishment.

Jones was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release. The case highlights the serious consequences for those who engage in violent crime and the efforts of law enforcement agencies to prevent and deter gun violence.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-wdwi/pr/illinois-man-sentenced-30-months-illegal-gun-possession