Milwaukee Teen Sentenced for Abducting Child
Barry Coleman received a 10-year prison sentence following a robbery plot that led to the abduction of a 7-year-old boy.
Updated on Oct. 10, 2026 in Pre-Teens
A Milwaukee judge sentenced 15-year-old Barry Coleman to 10 years in prison for his role in the abduction of a 7-year-old child. The victim was held captive for 24 hours after being taken from his front yard.
Why it matters
The sentencing concludes a legal process stemming from a robbery scheme intended to extort money from the victim's family. The court proceedings address the severity of the incident, during which the perpetrator debated physically harming the child.
The court imposed a 10-year prison sentence followed by 5 years of extended supervision. A kidnapping charge was dismissed in May as part of a plea agreement, leaving robbery with force as the most serious remaining conviction.
The players
Barry Coleman
He is a 15-year-old perpetrator who was convicted of robbery with the use of force.
Jamal White
He is the 7-year-old victim who was abducted from his front yard and held captive for 24 hours.
The details
During the incident near 61st and Hustis streets, Coleman dragged the young victim into a vehicle as part of a plan to extort the child's family. Police eventually rescued the boy following his 24-hour captivity.
Timeline
The abduction of Jamal White occurred in summer 2025.
A kidnapping charge was dropped per a plea agreement in May 2026.
Barry Coleman was sentenced in court on October 9, 2026.
Legal Context
This case follows a pattern set by the Wisconsin juvenile justice sentencing guidelines for violent felony convictions. The court's decision highlights how serious charges are adjudicated when mitigating factors like age are balanced against the severity of the crime.
Residents in the area near 61st and Hustis streets have expressed heightened concerns regarding neighborhood safety following the incident. Local authorities have maintained a visible presence to reassure the public as the legal proceedings conclude.
The takeaway
This case underscores the severe legal consequences that arise when criminal activities target minors. Families are encouraged to discuss personal safety plans to ensure children understand how to respond to dangerous encounters.
Further reading
For more information on youth development and safety, visit Pre-Teens.
