DENVER — A man who sparked a fire that heavily damaged the Colorado Supreme Court building has pleaded guilty to arson.
Brandon Olsen, 46, admitted to starting the blaze at the Ralph L. Carr Colorado Judicial Center on January 2, 2024. According to the Denver District Attorney’s Office, Olsen broke into the building, stole keys from a security guard at gunpoint, set a fire on the seventh floor, and fired multiple shots through the building’s windows.
After the incident, Olsen called 911 and surrendered to authorities, according to the Colorado State Patrol.
Officials said the building suffered extensive damage from fire, smoke, and water. Denver District Attorney John Walsh estimated the repairs cost “many millions of dollars.”
Olsen pleaded guilty to one count of arson as part of a plea deal. He faces up to 14 years in prison when sentenced on December 12 and has agreed to pay restitution, with the amount to be determined by the court.
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Katie is a senior who has been on staff for three years. Her favorite type of stories to write is reviews and features. Katie’s favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
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