Madison Resident Sentenced for Illegal Firearm Possession
A federal judge sentenced Dushaun Mims to six years in prison after he pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as a felon.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Drug Crime
Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson sentenced 40-year-old Dushaun Mims to six years in federal prison following a conviction for illegal firearm possession. Mims, who has prior felony convictions, will also serve three years of supervised release.
Why it matters
The sentencing follows a federal crackdown on violent crime and illegal firearm possession that aims to reduce risks in local communities. The case underscores the legal consequences for felons caught with weaponry and illicit substances.
Judge Peterson ordered a six-year prison term followed by three years of supervised release for Mims. The investigation involved the Fitchburg and Madison Police Departments alongside the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force.
The players
James D. Peterson
He is the Chief U.S. District Judge for the Western District of Wisconsin.
Dushaun Mims
He is a 40-year-old defendant who was sentenced for illegal firearm possession.
ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force
This interagency task force coordinates local and federal efforts to reduce gun-related crime in the Madison area.
The details
Authorities recovered a 5.56mm AR-style rifle, three magazines, and 498 grams of counterfeit pills containing para-flurofentanyl and fentanyl from the defendant's residence. DNA evidence linked Mims to the items, which were discovered during a search warrant related to a stabbing investigation.
Timeline
May 6, 2025: Police searched the residence and recovered drugs and firearms.
June 18, 2026: Dushaun Mims entered a guilty plea for illegal firearm possession.
September 25, 2026: Judge Peterson issued the final six-year prison sentence.
Legal Context
This case mirrors the focus of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program active across 94 federal districts designed to coordinate local and federal responses to violent crime. The sentencing reflects ongoing judicial efforts to enforce strict prohibitions on firearm possession for convicted felons.
The involvement of the ATF Madison Crime Gun Task Force highlights ongoing collaboration between local and federal agencies to remove illegal firearms from the neighborhood. Residents can expect continued interagency cooperation aimed at reducing gun violence in the area.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the strict federal penalties facing felons who illegally possess firearms or deal in illicit substances. Residents are encouraged to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement to assist in community safety efforts.
Further reading
For more information on regional enforcement, visit the Drug Crime section.
