BEATRICE – A 27-year-old Beatrice man whose run-ins with the law date back to age 13, will serve a six-year state prison term.
Patrick Wahlstrom was sentenced Wednesday by Gage County District Judge Rick Schreiner, for possession of a deadly weapon by a prohibited person and two counts of assaulting a law officer or health care worker. Following release from prison, Wahlstrom must serve 42 months under supervision. Wahlstrom’s attorney, Tim Noerrlinger had asked for consideration of probation or time in county jail.
“I don’t think he knew that this firearm was stolen. However, he understands that he wasn’t supposed to possess a firearm. I think using drugs, especially methamphetamine, creates a sense of paranoia my client has self-admitted to, that causes him to do things that he knows he shouldn’t, when he’s sober.”
Judge Schreiner told Wahlstrom that since 2006, he’s been nothing but “a taker”…and that officials have tried to help him ever since his involvement in the juvenile justice system.
“Nobody wants you in the Gage County Jail. Nobody wants you in prison. What we want is for you to get out, and be a productive member of society and give more to the community, than you take. At this point, you refuse to do so.”
Wahlstrom’s adult criminal record includes a weapon violation, theft, drug possession and burglary. The judge said Wahlstrom also scored as a high risk in several evaluation categories. He said the defendant has had several chances to fix things.
“Mr. Wahstrom…as I was getting gas this morning…a gentleman approached me, out of the blue. I recognized him as someone who had been before me in the seat that you’re sitting, and I had sentenced him. And, I didn’t know what to expect. He thanked me, because he was 90 days sober. He and I had a very nice conversation, and I was very happy to see him. And, I hope that I have that same conversation with you….I truly do. I would rather see you succeed and become successful beyond your wildest dreams, than have to sentence you again.”
Wahlstrom received credit off his prison sentences for 182 days credit for time already spent in jail. He is barred from possessing weapons or using alcohol and drugs. He could become eligible for parole in slightly less than three years.
Wahlstrom was arrested last June after law officers got a report of a man showing off a weapon, in Blue Springs. Because of a prior felony conviction, he was barred from having a gun. Later in Beatrice, Wahlstrom ran from authorities when they tried to contact him at a West Scott Street residence. Police found a 38-caliber handgun near where Wahlstrom ran from police. Officers also recovered a 20-inch machete. Wahlstrom then struggled with officers while being booked at the Gage County Jail.
