Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

MADISON, WIS. -- Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Sher Khang, 33, Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 27 months in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for possessing a firearm and ammunition as a convicted felon. Khang pleaded guilty to this charge on January 4, 2018.

On February 3, 2017, Khang was a passenger in a vehicle that was subject to a traffic stop. The police had reasonable suspicion to conduct a pat-down search of Khang, and he was in possession of a loaded firearm magazine, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. A handgun was in the trunk, and Khang admitted it was his. Khang had previously been convicted of felony third degree sexual assault and felony possession of methamphetamine.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority. In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.

The charge against Khang was the result of an investigation conducted by the Wisconsin Rapids Police Department, Marathon County Sheriff’s Office, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.

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