Mondovi man sentenced to 15 years in prison on gun charges - WQOW TV: Eau Claire, WI NEWS18 News, Weather, and Sports

Madison (Press Release) - William Ernest Ziemer, 48, of Mondovi, was sentenced Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Barbara B. Crabb to just over 15 years and 8 months in prison, without parole, for possession of firearms by a felon.

Ziemer pleaded guilty to this charge on April 24, 2012. On September 7, 2011, the defendant burglarized a home in Polk County. Among other things, the defendant stole a Norinco SKS semi-automatic rifle, a Winchester, model 120, 12 gauge shotgun , and a Remington 7600, .270 caliber rifle. He took these firearms to his sister's residence and hid them in some bushes.

The defendant had three prior violent felony convictions -- an aggravated robbery conviction in Washington County, Minn., another aggravated robbery in Washington County, Minn., and a burglary of a dwelling or building in Eau Claire. Because of these, he is considered an Armed Career Criminal under federal law and faced a penalty of 15 years to life.

The charges against Ziemer were the result of an investigation conducted by Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; Chippewa County Sheriff'sDepartment; Polk County Sheriff's Department; and St. Croix County Sheriff's Department. The prosecution of the case has been handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Munish Sharda.