KALISPELL, MT – Jose Angel Estrello, 40, is headed to federal prison after a string of alarming incidents culminated in the discovery of a small arsenal at his Kalispell home. Estrello was sentenced today to three years and one month, followed by three years of supervised release, after pleading guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition.
The case against Estrello unfolded over a year, beginning in July 2022 when Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies responded to reports of shots fired near McMannamy Draw. Estrello, already a convicted felon, reportedly became hostile, threatening deputies with an AR-15. This wasn’t an isolated outburst. The next day, deputies were called to a campground disturbance where Estrello allegedly pulled a handgun on another camper over a parking dispute, declaring, “This is how we take care of this in Compton.”
The escalating pattern of aggression continued with a road rage incident near Kalispell, where Estrello allegedly pointed a firearm at another family. These repeated confrontations triggered a full investigation, culminating in a search of Estrello’s residence in August 2022. Authorities recovered ten firearms, seven magazines, and a substantial amount of ammunition – all illegal for a man with Estrello’s criminal history. Court documents reveal Estrello has two prior robbery convictions in California, barring him from owning guns.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy handed down the sentence, acknowledging the danger Estrello posed to the community. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jennifer S. Clark led the prosecution, highlighting the seriousness of the charges and the defendant’s disregard for the law. The investigation was a joint effort between the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
Federal authorities are framing Estrello’s sentencing as a victory for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program emphasizes community trust, prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results. But for residents of Kalispell, the case serves as a stark reminder of the ever-present threat posed by individuals illegally armed and with a history of violent behavior.
Estrello’s three-year sentence is a minimum, and his supervised release will be closely monitored. Whether it’s enough to prevent further incidents remains to be seen. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the effectiveness of federal efforts to keep dangerous weapons out of the hands of convicted felons in Montana and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- Mallory Brown Sentenced to Over 9 Years for Illegal Guns · Alabama
- Gregory Boyd, Illegal Gun Possession, Billings MT, 2023 · California
- California Man Caught with Unregistered Firearm · California
- Gregorio Aguirre, Unregistered Firearm Possession, South Dakota 2014 · Texas
- Montana Man Pleads Guilty to Felon in Possession of Firearm · California
Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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