A Utah man, Michael Lee Rasmussen, was sentenced to 31 months in prison for possessing firearms and ammunition as a convicted felon. Rasmussen, 49, from West Jordan, pleaded guilty in December 2025 to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.
U.S. District Court Judge Robert J. Shelby also ordered three years of supervised release for Rasmussen and imposed a three-year ban on his access to federal public lands within the District of Utah.
Court records show that starting in late 2024, Rasmussen—who has five felony convictions—along with others built an unauthorized compound on federal land near Manning Canyon. The site included vehicles, trailers, tents, appliances, and large amounts of trash. Rangers from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) observed improper waste disposal at the camp. Despite several warnings to vacate the area, Rasmussen remained at the site. Complaints from local residents included reports of gunshots, threats, thefts, and unusual nighttime activity around the encampment.
On September 22, 2025, BLM law enforcement rangers coordinated with state and federal agencies to arrest Rasmussen on outstanding state warrants and dismantle the camp. During this operation, officers arrested Rasmussen without incident. He admitted to purchasing and using firearms and possessing ammunition while knowing he was legally barred due to his criminal record. Authorities found small quantities of drugs and drug paraphernalia at the camp along with firearms and spent shell casings. Following the operation, authorities removed debris and vehicles from the area.
“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 investigation was conducted by BLM officials working together with Utah Division of Natural Resources personnel as well as deputies from Tooele County Sheriff’s Office.
Assistant United States Attorneys Luisa Gough and Tanner Zumwalt prosecuted this case.
