Five-Time Felon Sentenced to Prison for Possessing a Firearm and Ammunition as a Restricted Person

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah - A Utah man and convicted felon who was squatting on federal lands was sentenced today to 31 months' imprisonment after he possessed firearms and ammunition as a restricted person.

Michael Lee Rasmussen, 49, of West Jordan, Utah, pleaded guilty on December 5, 2025, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. In addition to his sentence, U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby sentenced Rasmussen to three years of supervised release and imposed a three-year ban from federal public lands in the District of Utah as a condition of his supervision.

According to court documents and statements made at Rasmussen's change of plea and sentencing hearings, beginning in late 2024, Mr. Rasmussen, a five-time felon, along with others, constructed a makeshift compound on federal public lands near Manning Canyon, Utah. At its peak, the compound had vehicles, trailers, tents, appliances, and extensive amounts of litter. Rangers with the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) also documented raw waste being disposed of on the public land. Despite multiple warnings to move the camp, Mr. Rasmussen's squatting continued, eventually prompting complaints from locals about gunshots, audible threats, stolen property, and unusual nighttime traffic to and from the camp.

On September 22, 2025, BLM law enforcement rangers, working with state and federal partners, launched an operation to arrest Mr. Rasmussen on his open state warrants and dismantle the camp. During the operation, law enforcement officers safely arrested Mr. Rasmussen, who later admitted to purchasing and shooting firearms and possessing ammunition despite knowing he was prohibited from doing so as a convicted felon. Throughout the camp, officers found small amounts of narcotics, drug paraphernalia, firearms, associated ammunition, and spent brass casings. After the operation, trash and vehicles were removed and the area was thoroughly cleaned.

"Ensuring the safety of those who visit Utah's federal lands is a priority for the U.S. Attorney's Office and our law enforcement partners," said U.S. Attorney Melissa Holyoak of the District of Utah. "We appreciate the brave work of BLM rangers, the U.S. Forest Service, and our critical state partners, who put a stop to Mr. Rasmussen's dangerous activities and restored the public's access to the area."

"BLM law enforcement worked with federal, state, and county partners to safely dismantle the encampment and remove hazards," said Camm Stephenson, BLM Utah West Desert District Chief Ranger. "Unauthorized occupation and firearms violations on public lands pose serious risks, and the Bureau is committed to protecting people and resources."

"Our natural resource officers are committed to protecting Utah's lands and ensuring the safety of all who recreate on them," said Todd Royce, Director of the DNR Division of Law Enforcement. "Illegal activities like those seen in this case not only threaten public safety but also cause significant damage to our shared natural resources. We value the strong partnerships with the Bureau of Land Management and our local sheriff's offices that allow us to effectively address these complex issues and protect our public lands."

The case was investigated jointly by the Bureau of Land Management, Utah Division of Natural Resources and Tooele County Sheriff's Office.

Assistant United States Attorneys Luisa Gough and Tanner Zumwalt of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Utah prosecuted the case.