A Wisconsin man was sentenced last week in federal court in Wisconsin to 30 months in prison for interfering with Black residents because of their race. Because they were exercising their right to fair housing, officials also stated.
According to court documents, William McDonald, 45, of West Allis, vandalized a Black woman’s vehicle parked outside her apartment by slashing her tires and smashing her windshield in March 2021.
McDonald then left a note filled with racial slurs on her car, threatening to slash her throat and demanding she move out of West Allis.
A week later, McDonald slashed two of her car tires and left another note filled with racial slurs, giving her an ultimatum – move out of the neighborhood or suffer violence, officials stated.
In April 2022, a Black woman and her two minor children moved into McDonald’s apartment complex.
Shortly after they moved in, McDonald vandalized her front door with racial graffiti and left her a note, calling her family a racial slur and demanding she leave the building.
“The protection of citizens’ civil rights, including the right to live free from race-based discrimination and intimidation, is a top priority for the U.S. Attorney’s Office,” said U.S. Attorney Gregory J. Haanstad for the Eastern District of Wisconsin. “We will continue to work closely with federal, state, and local partners to bring federal resources to bear on those who violate the rights of any of our fellow citizens to live where they choose.”
“The 30-month sentence of William McDonald is a direct outcome of the unrelenting efforts and dedication of federal and local law enforcement officers and prosecutors to protect the rights of every Wisconsin citizen to live in a safe and protected environment free from race-based violence,” said Special Agent in Charge Michael E. Hensle of the FBI Milwaukee Field Office. “
Assistant Attorney General Clarke, U.S. Attorney Haanstad and Special Agent in Charge Hensle made the announcement.
The FBI Milwaukee Field Office and the West Allis Police Department investigated the case.
Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christopher Ladwig and Philip Kovoor for the Eastern District of Wisconsin and Trial Attorney Matthew Tannenbaum of the Civil Rights Division’s Criminal Section prosecuted the case.
For more information and resources about the department’s work to combat hate crimes, visit www.justice.gov/hatecrimes.