Related Federal Cases
Helena Pawn Shop Owner Admits Gun Crimes
GREAT FALLS – A Helena pawn and consignment shop operator accused of lying about gun sales and failing to keep proper records admitted firearms crimes, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Leif M. Johnson.
Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 38, of Boulder, and the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn & Consignment, pleaded guilty to two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records.
The plea agreement calls for three other counts in an indictment to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. Morsette faces a maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison.
A plea agreement calls for three other counts in an indictment to be dismissed at sentencing if the court accepts the agreement. Morsette, who is the federal firearms licensee for Modern Pawn & Consignment, Inc., 1330 North Montana Ave., in Helena, will face sentencing on January 13, 2022.
The government alleged in court documents that Morsette knowingly made a false statement stating that the named purchaser of the Beretta 9mm pistol was the actual buyer, the woman, when in fact she knew the actual buyer of the firearm was the man. In addition, Morsette willfully sold and delivered a Smith and Wesson .45-caliber pistol without noting the name of the purchaser in her records as required.
The government further alleged that on April 29, a man, identified as #3, bought a Ruger .44 magnum revolver for a man identified as #2. Man #2 went to the pawn shop and interacted with Catherine Morsette, who called Isaiah Morsette for prices. After Man #3 arrived, Man #2 told Catherine Morsette that, “we’ll buy the firearm.” Catherine Morsette told Man #3 that he had to pay, “I don’t care how you leave the store with it, but he has to pay for it.” Catherine Morsette and Man #3 then filled out the paperwork for the revolver. Catherine Morsette knowingly made a false statement by stating the named purchaser of the revolver was the actual purchaser, Man #3, when in fact she knew the actual purchaser was Man #2.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives investigated the case.
Defendant: Catherine Suzanne Morsette, 38, of Boulder.
Crime: Two counts of false statement during a firearms transaction and to failure to keep proper records.
City and State: Helena, Montana.
Exact Date: April, 2022.
Sentence or Outcome: Maximum five years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years in prison pending sentencing on January 13, 2022.
Dollar Amounts: None.
Defendant Name: Catherine Suzanne Morsette.
Crime: Gun Trafficking.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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