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Felony Felon Brings Firearm to Domestic Dispute
Bismarck, ND – In a shocking display of violence, 28-year-old Jamie N. Nilsen brandished and discharged a .45 caliber handgun during a domestic dispute in the early morning hours of April 25, 2012. The incident, which unfolded at a residence in Bismarck, left authorities scrambling to contain the situation.
A Bismarck Police Department 911 call was made at approximately 3:10 a.m., prompting a response from the SWAT team and a hostage negotiator. After a tense standoff, Nilsen surrendered the gun at 6:54 a.m., bringing the situation to a close.
Nilsen’s actions were a clear breach of trust, given his seven prior felony convictions, including an aggravated assault conviction and two burglary convictions in 2004. Due to the fact that three or more of these convictions were ‘violent felony’ convictions, the offense carried a maximum penalty of life imprisonment, and a minimum mandatory sentence of 15 years in federal prison.
On April 24, 2013, U.S. District Judge Daniel L. Hovland sentenced Nilsen to serve 15 years in federal prison, to be followed by three years of supervised release. Nilsen was also ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Crime Victim’s Fund.
Assistant U.S. Attorney David Hagler prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives and the Bismarck Police Department. The conviction serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of violence and the consequences of repeating past mistakes.
Nilsen’s actions not only put himself and others at risk but also demonstrated a blatant disregard for the law. As the community continues to grapple with the aftermath of this incident, it is clear that justice has been served, but the true cost of Nilsen’s actions will be felt for years to come.
The harsh sentence handed down to Nilsen should serve as a warning to others who would seek to exploit the trust of others through violence. The people of Bismarck and the surrounding areas can rest a little easier knowing that this individual will be behind bars for the next 15 years.
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Key Facts
- State: North Dakota
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release ↗
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