Joint Law Enforcement Efforts: Protecting Citizens’ Right to Fair Housing
A Wisconsin man, William McDonald, 45, from West Allis, was sentenced in federal court to 30 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for intimidating and interfering with Black residents’ right to fair housing based on their race.
Court documents revealed that McDonald vandalized a Black woman’s parked vehicle, slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021. He left a racially offensive note, threatening violence and demanding she leave West Allis. A week later, he slashed her car tires again, issuing another threatening note. In April 2022, McDonald targeted another Black woman and her two children, vandalizing her front door with racial graffiti and leaving a derogatory note.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division asserted that everyone has the right to live free from race-based violence. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prioritizes protecting civil rights, collaborating with federal, state, and local partners.
Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office emphasized their unwavering commitment to combat crimes and discrimination based on race and ethnicity.
This sentencing serves as a strong message against racially motivated threats and violence. The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and West Allis Police Department conducted the investigation, with Assistant U.S. Attorneys and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum prosecuting the case.
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