Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

MADISON, WIS. -- John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that David T. Taylor, 26, Madison, Wis., was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to 87 months in federal prison for possessing 15 grams of heroin with intent to distribute, and possessing two firearms in furtherance of that drug offense. Taylor pleaded guilty to these charges on March 13, 2014.

On November 19, 2013, the Madison Police Department responded to a domestic violence call that had occurred several days earlier. In addition to explaining the incident, the victim told officers that Taylor had posted a photo of himself on Facebook that same day, showing him possessing a handgun with an extended magazine. Officers confirmed the photo existed and they knew that Taylor, a convicted felon, had an outstanding arrest warrant for a probation violation.

Officers were able to locate Taylor at an apartment complex and place him under arrest. Further investigation led to the execution of a search warrant at the apartment where Taylor had been staying. In the apartment, officers located a .40 caliber Glock pistol with an obliterated serial number and extended magazine, a .45 caliber Colt pistol, heroin, and packaging material.

Taylor’s DNA was subsequently identified on both firearms, and the packaging that contained the heroin. Taylor’s phone also had photos of the firearms and narcotics in it. Finally, when Taylor was arrested, he had $1,600 in his pants pockets, and he has never been gainfully employed.

The charges against Taylor were the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.