MADISON, WIS. - John W. Vaudreuil, United States Attorney for the Western District of Wisconsin, announced that Matthew Weiland, 23, Eau Claire, Wis., was sentenced yesterday by U.S. District Judge James D. Peterson to six years in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. Weiland pleaded guilty to the charge on Aug. 14, 2014.
In February 2014, Weiland entered a half-way house in a residential neighborhood in Eau Claire with a loaded High Point.45 caliber firearm. Once inside, Weiland entered the room of a resident and threatened him over a debt. To demonstrate to the individual that he was willing the use the firearm, Weiland fired three gunshots after exiting the half-way house. One of the bullets hit the window trim area of a nearby house.
Weiland has a lengthy criminal history and was serving a term of probation for other crimes with the State of Wisconsin when he committed this offense.
The charge against Weiland was the result of an investigation conducted by the Eau Claire Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Meredith P. Duchemin.
