Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, Possession of Stolen Firearms, Montana 2024

BILLINGS, MT – Armondo Anthony Ronquillo, 37, of Billings, is headed to federal prison for five years after admitting to illegally possessing four stolen firearms. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, also includes three years of supervised release following his incarceration.

The case began to unfold in January 2023 when law enforcement executed a search warrant at Ronquillo’s residence. Investigators discovered not only three handguns and 100 rounds of ammunition, but also methamphetamine, fentanyl pills, and $546 in cash. Court documents reveal Ronquillo confessed to using drug proceeds to acquire firearms – a clear indication of a dangerous cycle fueling criminal activity.

Just two months later, in March 2023, Ronquillo was again caught with a firearm. While a passenger in a vehicle stopped by law enforcement, a search revealed a pistol and an additional ten rounds of ammunition hidden in a fanny pack. Authorities quickly determined that all four firearms in Ronquillo’s possession were stolen, adding a layer of severity to the charges.

Ronquillo’s criminal history played a significant role in the sentencing. As a convicted felon in Montana, he was already legally prohibited from possessing any firearms. This repeat offense, combined with the evidence of drug trafficking, painted a picture of a man actively disregarding the law and endangering the community. He pleaded guilty in January to prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Karla E. Painter led the prosecution, with a collaborative investigation conducted by the Billings Police Department, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The case falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative designed to reduce violent crime and gun violence through coordinated law enforcement efforts.

According to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich, the PSN program focuses on building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, prioritizing strategic enforcement, and measuring outcomes. While the program’s goals are laudable, the grim reality is that individuals like Ronquillo continue to exploit vulnerabilities and contribute to the cycle of violence. His five-year sentence serves as a warning, but the fight against illegal firearms and drug trafficking in Billings – and across the nation – is far from over.

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