News and Press Releases
Man indicted for assaulting two deputies of U.S. Marshals Service
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 15, 2011
MINNEAPOLIS—Earlier today in federal court, Shawn Michael Olthoff, age 26, was
indicted for ramming two vehicles driven by deputies of the United States Marshals Service. At
the time, the deputies were attempting to arrest Olthoff for violating his supervised release.
Olthoff was ultimately charged with two counts of assault upon a federal law enforcement
officer.
When the offense allegedly occurred, Olthoff was on supervised release for a prior federal
offense but had violated the terms of that release by failing to provide his true address, attend
court-ordered work release, and participate in substance abuse programs. As a result of those
failures, an arrest warrant was issued, and on October 28, 2011, deputies with the U.S. Marshals
Service (“USMS”) attempted to apprehend Olthoff in North Branch. Olthoff, however,
allegedly tried to flee the scene in a vehicle driven by his girlfriend. The deputies blocked the
vehicle with their cars and ordered the pair to surrender. Eventually, Olthoff’s girlfriend gave
herself up, but Olthoff reportedly jumped into the driver’s seat, started the car, and rammed the
two USMS vehicles. A pursuit ensued during which Olthoff allegedly struck a number of other
vehicles before escaping custody by fleeing on foot. He was apprehended the following day.
If convicted, Olthoff faces a potential maximum penalty of 20 years in prison on each
count. All sentences will be determined by a federal district court judge. This case is the result
of an investigation by the USMS and the North Branch Police Department. It is being
prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas M. Hollenhorst.
An indictment is a determination by a grand jury that there is probable cause to believe that offenses have been committed by a defendant. A defendant, of course, is presumed innocent until he or she pleads guilty or is proven guilty at trial.
