Shawndale James, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Wisconsin 2023

Madison, Wisconsin – In a shocking turn of events, Shawndale James, a 26-year-old Madison resident, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to reports, James was stopped by Madison police officers on December 21, 2021, while riding in a vehicle as a passenger.

During the stop, officers observed a loaded .40 caliber handgun sticking out from under the seat where James was sitting. Initially, James denied any knowledge of the gun, but further investigation revealed that his DNA matched DNA found on the gun at the Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory.

James’ prior felony convictions for driving a stolen vehicle and conspiracy to deliver heroin were also taken into account during sentencing. At the time of his arrest, he was out on bail in a state case charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson handed down the sentence, stating that James had a substantial criminal history and needed to make a choice between spending time with his family or peers who are negative influences on the street. If James does not make a change now, he is facing a lot more time in prison. James was also ordered to serve three years of supervised release following his prison term.

The charge against James was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

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 emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

Shawndale James, 26, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced to 26 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. James pleaded guilty to this charge on June 12, 2023. The crime occurred on December 21, 2021, in Madison, Wisconsin.

The defendant’s exact criminal charge is being a felon in possession of a firearm. The city and state are Madison, Wisconsin. The sentence or outcome is 26 months in prison. No dollar amounts are applicable in this case.

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