Vaun Mayes no prison time; charged in connection with Sherman Park riots

A Milwaukee community activist charged in connection to the 2016 Sherman Park riots will serve no federal prison time. 

Community activist sentencing

What we know:

This past fall, Vaun Mayes pleaded guilty to a single count of using a cellphone with the intent to encourage others to participate in a riot. 

On Wednesday, Jan. 22, Mayes was in federal court to be sentenced. He walked out a free man. 

Timeline:

The government alleged Mayes and others planned to firebomb the District 7 police station in Milwaukee during the Sherman Park riots. This, following the police shooting and killing of Sylville Smith. 

The firebombing never happened. But Mayes was eventually hit with charges. 

Over the years, the case languished. A key government witness also died. 

Mayes was prepared to take the case to trial. But this past fall, an agreement was reached. 

The government and the judge noted Mayes' clean record on pre-trial release – and work done in the community to bring people together and stop violence. 

During sentencing, Chief Judge Pamela Pepper evoked Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

"As best as I can tell, in the long years since you were charged, you lived the life of a creative extremist -- with love -- and not a violent extremist," the judge said. 

What they're saying:

"I haven't been able to address a lot in my personal life. This situation has held me back from a lot of opportunities and I need to figure those things out," Mayes said. "The charge I did plead to, again, I will accept responsibility for it. Back then, I was a troll. I really felt like I was getting back at them."

Vaun Mayes

The judge sentenced Mayes to three days time served, no extended supervision, and dismissed the remaining charges at the government's request. 

"I do appreciate that the government and the judge have some recognition for what I'm doing and the path I've been on, because that's what I've wanted attention to be on from the beginning," Mayes said. 

The Source: The information in this post was produced by FOX6 News and with video from the FOX6 News archives.

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