United States Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad of the Eastern District of Wisconsin announced that on September 23, 2022, Ashton Howard (age: 29) pleaded guilty to obstructing a law enforcement officer while that officer was engaged in his official duties during a civil disorder, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 231(a)(3).
According to a written plea agreement, following the shooting of Jacob Blake on August 23, 2020, Ashton Howard was part of a crowd that gathered near the location of the shooting. Some members of the crowd became violent, and a police vehicle was damaged. As Kenosha Police Officers attempted to secure and move the damaged vehicle, Howard threw a brick at one of the officers. The brick hit the officer in the head, knocking him unconscious. The officer subsequently was transported to the hospital.
Sentencing is set for January 5, 2023 before Chief U.S. District Judge Pamela Pepper in courtroom #222 at 1:30 pm. At sentencing, Howard faces a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. He also faces a term of supervised release after completing any period of imprisonment.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Kenosha Police Department investigated the case. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Benjamin Proctor and John Scully.
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For Additional Information Contact:
Public Information Officer Kenneth Gales 414-297-1700
