Felon Sentenced to 4 Years for Illegally Possessing Firearm

Nathaniel Larson, a 26-year-old Eau Claire resident, was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison for illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Larson pleaded guilty to the charge on February 8, 2024.

On July 11, 2023, an Eau Claire police officer stopped a car Larson was driving for a traffic violation. Larson’s behavior during the stop was suspicious, so the officer asked him to exit the car. Larson then consented to a search and the officer found a small bag of heroin and fentanyl in his pants pocket.

Larson was arrested and during a subsequent search of the car, the officer found a loaded Taurus 9 mm handgun and an extra loaded magazine. Larson is prohibited from legally possessing firearms and ammunition because of a prior felony conviction for second degree recklessly endangering safety.

At the sentencing, Judge James D. Peterson noted that Larson’s behavior has been out of control and that a long sentence was necessary to protect the community. Larson was also ordered to serve a three-year term of supervised release following his prison term.

The charge against Larson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department, West Central Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan prosecuted this case.

This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime. The PSN approach emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address gun crime, especially felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition and violent and drug crimes that involve the use of firearms.

U.S. Attorney Timothy M. O’Shea announced Larson’s sentencing, emphasizing the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and protecting the community from violent crime.

In a statement, O’Shea said, ‘This case demonstrates our commitment to reducing violent crime and keeping our communities safe. We will continue to work tirelessly to identify and prosecute those who pose a threat to public safety.’