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Press Release

Judge sentences man to prison in firearms case

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Montana

BILLINGS—A man who admitted to illegally possessing a firearm was sentenced to federal prison on Thursday, U.S. Attorney Kurt G. Alme said.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters sentenced Charles Jestin McCalister, 34, to 50 months in prison and three years of supervised release.

McCalister pleaded guilty on July 30 to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

An investigation began on April 30, when a Billings Police officer conducted a traffic stop for speeding and observed McCalister, the driver, appear to be putting something under his seat.  The officer arrested McCalister on outstanding warrants. McCalister consented to a search of the vehicle and told the officer there was a firearm in it. The officer recovered a 9mm semi-automatic pistol.

McCalister, who has a record of felony and misdemeanor convictions for partner/family member assault and possession of dangerous drugs, was prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Tom Godfrey prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make neighborhoods safer for everyone.  The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.

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Contact

Clair Johnson Howard
Public Information Officer
406-247-4623

Updated November 29, 2018

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods