Big Timber Gun Grab: Parenteau Gets 7 Years

BIG TIMBER, MT – A brazen burglary and subsequent high-speed chase landed 57-year-old Guy George Parenteau of Minnesota a hefty 7-year federal prison sentence. Parenteau was sentenced in Billings after admitting to stealing eight firearms from The Fort store in Big Timber back in September 2013. This wasn’t just a smash-and-grab; it was a calculated act by a convicted felon who clearly had no regard for the law.

According to Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart, Parenteau’s crime unfolded on September 14, 2013. He broke into The Fort and made off with a cache of weapons. But his freedom was short-lived. Within twelve hours, Parenteau led law enforcement on a dangerous, high-speed chase through Park County, putting lives at risk. The chase ended, but the investigation didn’t.

A thorough search of Parenteau’s vehicle yielded seven of the eight stolen firearms. The missing eighth weapon was later discovered abandoned near railroad tracks and recovered by law enforcement. Thankfully, authorities were able to locate nearly all the stolen guns, and all will be returned to The Fort. But the damage was done, and a community was shaken by the incident.

Parenteau ultimately pleaded guilty in September 2014 to being a felon in possession of firearms – a charge that carries significant weight. The court handed down an 84-month (7-year) prison sentence, followed by three years of supervised release. It’s a substantial penalty, but one that reflects the seriousness of his actions and his disregard for public safety.

The investigation was a collaborative effort, involving the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Sweet Grass County Sheriff’s Office, the Park County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Highway Patrol. These agencies worked tirelessly to track down Parenteau and recover the stolen weapons, demonstrating a commitment to keeping Montana communities safe from violent criminals.

Parenteau’s case serves as a stark reminder that firearms theft is a serious federal offense. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on other instances of criminal activity across the nation. This isn’t just about guns; it’s about a pattern of lawlessness and the consequences that follow.