Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kevin F. Thomas, 31, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley, to five years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Thomas pleaded guilty to these charges on February 1, 2019.  His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.

 

On March 21, 2018, there were two shootings on the west side of Madison.  Fifteen shell casings were recovered at the scenes, including 9mm and .40 caliber casings. Shortly after the shootings, a female acquaintance of Thomas’ was arrested in possession of a 9mm firearm and a .40 caliber firearm. Further investigation revealed that she had been in a vehicle with Thomas at the time of the shootings, as was a juvenile male.  Thomas was subsequently identified on a video possessing the two firearms on March 21, 2018.

 

Thomas has prior felony convictions for second degree murder/provocation (2005, Cook County, Illinois) and for aggravated battery/public place (2016, Knox County, Illinois).  He also has a tattoo on his arm that states, “live by the gun, die by the bullet.” 

 

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 involves collaboration by federal, state and local law enforcement agencies, prosecutors and communities to prevent and deter gun violence. 

 

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