Multi-Convicted Drug Dealer Sentenced to 5 Years
MADISON, WIS. - Scott C. Blader, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Jesse Beadles, 35, Madison, Wisconsin, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to five years in federal prison, followed by a three-year term of supervised release, for possessing cocaine with intent to distribute. Beadles pleaded guilty to this charge on May 23, 2018.
On September 25, 2017, Beadles ordered an ounce of cocaine from Eric Howard, an employee at Spartan Gyros, East Washington Avenue, Madison. The price of the ounce of cocaine was $1,300, but rather than pay for the cocaine, Beadles began leaving the store once he had the cocaine in his possession. Howard then shot Beadles in the lower back and retrieved the ounce of cocaine. Beadles told responding officers that he was going to share and use the cocaine with his friends, which constitutes distribution.
Responding officers subsequently executed a search warrant at the restaurant and recovered a Taurus handgun, a spent shell casing, and the cocaine. On June 28, 2018, Howard pleaded guilty to distributing the cocaine and to discharging a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking activity. His sentencing hearing is scheduled for September 27, 2018.
Beadles asked for a one-year sentence because he had been shot, but Judge Peterson denied that request because Beadles has an extensive criminal history including domestic violence, substantial battery, and two felony drug convictions.
This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program that has been historically successful in bringing together all levels of law enforcement to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.  Attorney General Jeff Sessions has made turning the tide of rising violent crime in America a top priority.  In October 2017, as part of a series of actions to address this crime trend, Attorney General Sessions announced the reinvigoration of PSN and directed all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to develop a district crime reduction strategy that incorporates the lessons learned since PSN launched in 2001.
The charge against Beadles was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department, Violent Crimes Unit. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rita M. Rumbelow.Â
Department of Justice
Office of the U.S. Attorney
Western District of Wisconsin
Source: Justice.gov