Olson sentenced to 8 years after burglarizing 16 homes

Luke Duane Olson, 36, who pled guilty to committing burglaries of 16 homesteads in the Janesville area during the fall of 2021, was sentenced to more than 8 years in prison during a sentencing hearing in Waseca County Court this week. Ten months already served have been credited to the time sentenced, and a minimum of two-thirds of the sentence must be carried out in prison, after which Olson may be eligible for supervised release. The sentence also includes financial restitution, details of which will be agreed upon at a separate hearing on November 22 at 1:30 p.m.

While County Attorney Rachel Cornelius asked the court to impose the eight-year sentence as prison time, Public Defender Jeremy Clinefelter requested Olson serve the time as probation, with the stipulation that any violation of the terms lead to imprisonment. Clinefelter claimed that Olson’s status as custodial parent of his three children aged 12 to 16, his cooperation with law enforcement during the investigation of his crimes, his remorse, and complications from the pandemic which interfered with his search for psychiatric treatment during the parole for a previous conviction all helped justify the request.

During a personal statement, Olson claimed that the ten months he has spent in jail since his arrest during which he was unable to see his children as eye-opening. “I want to be a better person for my children and community,” Olson said. However, Judge Harris decided due to his age and criminal history that there was not sufficient cause to depart from sentencing guidelines and expressed doubt whether his remorse was due to the impact of his crimes or his arrest and incarceration. “You are a public safety issue,” Judge Hanson said in response to the defense’s request. Even prior to the 2021 crimes, Olson had a criminal record including attempted burglary, DUI, arson, and violations of previous probation terms.

Chemical usage and alcohol were named as factors in Olson’s previous crimes; prior to his arrest last fall he had not undergone treatment for dependency even though it was a stipulation of his previous parole. During his ten months in jail awaiting sentencing, Olson has been receiving treatment for generalized depression and social anxiety which he claimed contributed to his substance abuse. In his bid for probation, Olson had been approved for an in-patient substance dependency and mental health support program. However, County Attorney Cornelius noted for the court that the prison has a chemical dependency program available to those sentenced for three or more years.

Several victims of Olson’s crimes were present in the court to give statements. Brad Carlson described repeated visits by Olson to his property and expressed that he’ll wonder for years to come whether things he is missing were stolen during the burglaries. “I do believe he took great advantage of trust from my mother, who wants to believe there is good in everyone,” Carlson stated. Sharon Haley also spoke on behalf of her family. “We are fortunate to live in Waseca County where we believe we have trustworthy neighbors and friends, but he has created a sense of fear, a lack of trust.” Each victim impact statement which was read or presented to the court emphasized the emotional toll of Olson’s crimes over the financial aspects. These crimes, it was said again and again, created anguish, pain, frustration, and a loss of security.