MADISON, WIS. – Timothy M. O’Shea, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Anthony Brooks, 30, Middleton, Wisconsin pleaded guilty and was sentenced today by Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to 42 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon.
On July 19, 2021, in a hotel parking lot in Madison, Brooks grabbed a gun from his car, pointed it at two hotel security officers and threatened to shoot them. Brooks, who was intoxicated, then fled the scene and was arrested nearby in possession of a loaded firearm. Brooks was previously convicted of being a felon in possession of a firearm in Dane County in 2017.
In sentencing Brooks, Judge Peterson highlighted the serious nature of the offense and risk the defendant posed to the public. He further stressed the defendant’s significant criminal history and noncompliance with previous terms of supervision. Lastly, Judge Peterson noted that a significant prison term was warranted to protect the public from Brooks’ aggravated and violent behavior.
The charge against Brooks was the result of an investigation conducted by Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Reinhard prosecuted this case.