Kyle Olson, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Wisconsin 2020

Felons in Possession of Firearms a Persistent Problem in Wisconsin

In a disturbing example of the dangers of felons possessing firearms, Kyle Olson, 29, of Edgerton, Wisconsin, has been sentenced to 27 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, Olson pleaded guilty to this charge on December 1, 2020. On May 31, 2020, downtown Madison was experiencing civil unrest following peaceful protests. Olson, who had four felony car theft convictions from 2015 and was on supervision after being released from state prison, drove to Madison to see the events for himself.

Olson brought a loaded .45 caliber handgun with him for protection, but as he arrived downtown, several Madison Police Department officers observed him take the gun out of his trunk, tuck it into his waistband, and conceal it with his shirt. The officers detained Olson to determine if he had a valid concealed carry permit, and as they recovered the gun, Olson told them that he was a felon and knew he should not have the gun.

At sentencing, Judge William M. Conley noted that it was deeply concerning that Olson said he drove to Madison because he was “tired of watching people burn down buildings.” Conley also said that he was very thankful that the officers intervened, considering the violent civil unrest in the area.

The charge against Olson was the result of an investigation conducted by the Madison Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan. This case has been brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), the U.S. Justice Department’s program to reduce violent crime.

This case highlights the importance of addressing gun crime, especially when it involves felons illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The PSN program emphasizes coordination between state and federal prosecutors and all levels of law enforcement to address these crimes.

Olson’s sentence serves as a reminder that the consequences of possessing a firearm as a felon can be severe and that law enforcement will continue to prioritize public safety in Wisconsin.

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