The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Missoula, on November 4, 2011, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, JOSEPH BERNARD WRIGHT, a 27-year-old resident of Missoula, appeared for sentencing. WRIGHT was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 132 months

Special Assessment: $100

Fine: $10,000

Supervised Release: 5 years

WRIGHT was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to use of a firearm during a crime of violence.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Assistant U.S. Attorney Tara J. Elliott, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

A confidential source (CS #1) would have testified that in the spring of 2009 s/he, WRIGHT and another confidential source (CS #2) went into the residence of B.B. and stole approximately one pound of marijuana. CS #1 would have further testified that s/he supplied CS #2 with a pistol prior to said robbery and that during the robbery, CS#1 observed CS #2 point the pistol at B.B. and demand drugs and money.

CS #2 would also have testified to this same information and would additionally discuss details of a conversation WRIGHT had with CS #2 about the pistol and using it in the robbery. CS #2 would have testified that WRIGHT knew CS #2 had the gun. Additionally, CS #2 would have testified to the fact that WRIGHT picked up and wielded a knife during the course of the robbery.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that WRIGHT will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, WRIGHT does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Missoula Police Department.

 

 

Return to Top