Casper Felon Convicted of Gun Possession

Facing a grim future, Frank Ray Berris, 53, of Casper, Wyoming, has been found guilty by a federal jury for illegal firearm possession. The verdict came after a tense two-day trial before U.S. District Court Judge Kelly H. Rankin.

On February 3, a Wyoming Highway Patrol trooper pulled over Berris in a black Ford Explorer, equipped with phony ‘United States of America Republic Diplomat Foreign National’ and ‘UCC1-308’ license plates. The defendant, who identifies as a ‘sovereign citizen,’ couldn’t produce valid driver’s licenses or insurance. During the stop, police discovered a pistol and an AR-style rifle in plain sight.

Berris, with an outstanding arrest warrant, engaged in a three-hour standoff before surrendering. A search of his vehicle uncovered additional firearms and ammunition. As a convicted felon, Berris was barred by federal law from owning guns or ammo.

Berris pleaded not guilty to the charges in March 2024 and represented himself at trial. Sentencing is scheduled for September 3, where he faces up to 15 years in prison and $250,000 in fines.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol, Natrona County Sheriff’s Office, Mills Police Department, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and FBI collaborated on the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Makenzie Morrison and Executive Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephanie Sprecher prosecuted the case.

Case No. 24-00034