Nathaniel Larson, Illegal Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Wisconsin 2024

EAU CLAIRE, WI – Nathaniel Larson, 26, of Eau Claire, Wisconsin, is headed to federal prison for four years after pleading guilty to illegally possessing a firearm and ammunition. Chief U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson handed down the sentence today, citing Larson’s reckless behavior and the need to protect the community.

The case unfolded July 11, 2023, when an Eau Claire police officer pulled Larson over for a traffic violation. According to court documents, Larson’s actions during the stop raised red flags, prompting the officer to request a search. That search turned up a bag containing heroin and fentanyl in Larson’s pocket, leading to his immediate arrest.

But the trouble didn’t stop there. A subsequent search of the vehicle revealed a loaded Taurus 9mm handgun and an extra magazine. The discovery was particularly damning because of Larson’s prior felony conviction for second-degree recklessly endangering safety, which legally barred him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

Judge Peterson didn’t mince words at sentencing, describing Larson’s conduct as “out of control.” Beyond the four-year prison term, Larson will also serve a three-year period of supervised release upon his eventual release. The judge made it clear that a lengthy sentence was necessary to ensure public safety.

The investigation was a collaborative effort between the Eau Claire Police Department, the West Central Drug Task Force, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). Assistant U.S. Attorney Corey Stephan led the prosecution. This case was brought under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal program aimed at reducing violent crime by coordinating law enforcement efforts to target illegal gun possession and related offenses.

PSN prioritizes cases involving convicted felons caught with firearms, and crimes involving drugs and violence where guns are used. Federal officials say the program seeks to bolster cooperation between state and federal agencies to combat gun violence. Larson’s case serves as a stark reminder that those with prior convictions who illegally possess firearms will face serious consequences under federal law.

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