Gang Member Sentenced to 54 Months for Gun Crime

MADISON, WIS. – Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Kendal J. Harris, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge William M. Conley to 54 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon.  Harris pleaded guilty to this charge on January 3, 2019.  His prison term will be followed by a three-year period of supervised release.

On August 27, 2018, the Madison Police Department Violent Crime Unit and the Dane County Narcotics Task Force arrested Harris on an outstanding probation warrant.  Harris was in possession of a loaded firearm at the time. Harris has several felony convictions, including battery to a public transit operator.

Harris requested a 24-month sentence, claiming he possessed a firearm because he was protecting himself.  According to Harris, several of his friends had recently been murdered and he was targeted.  Judge Conley disagreed with this request, finding that Harris had a lengthy history of gang affiliation and a criminal history involving violent crimes.  Judge Conley also noted that “gun violence is plaguing the Madison area” and that Harris poses a significant risk of re-offending.

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 charge against Harris was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department Violent Crime Unit.  The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.