Boulder Pawn Shop Gunman Pleads Guilty to Straw Purchase

GREAT FALLS – Isaiah Maurice Morsette, 38, a Boulder man, has admitted to firearms crimes, including aiding in a straw purchase at his wife’s Modern Pawn & Consignment in Helena, according to U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.

Morsette, who was present during the sale of a Savage 6.5 Creedmoor rifle, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and false statement during a firearms transaction. He faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will preside over sentencing on March 30, 2022. Morsette remains detained pending further proceedings.

The investigation into Modern Pawn & Consignment was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF alleged that Morsette, a five-time convicted felon, served as the shop’s firearms and ammunition expert. His wife, Catherine Suzanne Morsette, who is also a co-defendant, has pleaded guilty to related crimes and awaits sentencing.

In March, an undercover ATF agent purchased a Smith & Wesson 9mm pistol from Morsette, who later sold a Savage rifle to another undercover agent. During the transaction, Morsette falsely stated that the actual purchaser was special agent #2, while special agent #1 was the intended buyer.

The ATF is responsible for investigating this case and ensuring compliance with federal firearms laws.