BOISE – Joshua Allen Ward, 34, of Emmett, Idaho, was found guilty today of unlawful possession of a firearm, U.S. Attorney Wendy J. Olson announced. Ward appeared before U.S. District Judge Edward J. Lodge at the federal courthouse in Boise.

According to court documents, Ward was previously convicted of aggravated assault on May 2, 2007, in Ada County, Idaho. He was sentenced to serve a minimum of three years in the state penitentiary and was paroled in November 2010. On January 25, 2011, Ward’s parole officer, assisted by members of the Gem County Sheriff’s Office, arrested Ward at his residence for a parole violation. During a search of the residence, officers found a 9 millimeter semi-automatic pistol and assorted ammunition in Ward’s bedroom. At the parole revocation hearing in February 2011, Ward admitted to knowingly possessing the firearm in violation of the terms of his parole. As a convicted felon, he is prohibited from possessing firearms. Ward acknowledged at his court trial today that the evidence in the case established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

The charge of unlawful possession of a firearm is punishable by up to 10 years in prison, a maximum fine of $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release.

Sentencing is set for October 29, 2012, before Judge Lodge in Boise.

The case was investigated by the Treasure Valley Metro Violent Crimes Task Force and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). It is being prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the State of Idaho to address gang crimes. The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southwest Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.