Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

Acting United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad announced today that Milwaukee resident Grover Ferguson (age:18) was sentenced to 50 years of imprisonment, to be followed by 5 years of supervised release, for committing a carjacking on April 21, 2015, during which he shot the vehicle’s owner.

On August 25, 2015, Ferguson pleaded guilty to one count of armed motor vehicle robbery, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 2119(2), and one count of discharging a firearm during a crime of violence, in violation of 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). According to the plea agreement, Ferguson approached a parked vehicle on April 21, 2015, pointed a revolver at the owner who was in the driver’s seat, and demanded the keys. Ferguson then fired several shots from the revolver, hitting the owner in the face and body. Ferguson drove away in the vehicle, but was captured the following day after leading Milwaukee Police officers on a high-speed chase.

At the sentencing hearing, U.S. District Judge Rudolph T. Randa emphasized the violent nature of the crime committed by Ferguson.

"Armed carjackings are a significant threat to public safety and we are going to continue to vigorously pursue cases like this as a part of our strategy to combat violent crime in this district," Haanstad commented. "Carjackers who are prosecuted in federal court face decades in prison without the potential for parole."

"As a result of this joint local and federal investigation, another violent individual has been removed from the streets of Milwaukee," stated ATF-St. Paul Field Division Special Agent in Charge Jim Modzelewski. "ATF is committed to combating firearms violence and will continue to partner with the Milwaukee Police Department and utilize all available resources to increase the safety in our communities".

Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn added "We are grateful the Judge imposed a sentence commensurate with the crime that was committed and are hopeful this measure of justice is a comfort to the family and victim."

This case was investigated by law enforcement officers from the Milwaukee Police Department and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF). The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Benjamin W. Proctor.

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