Christopher Samuel Fear, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, MT – Christopher Samuel Fear, 38, is facing serious time after admitting to possessing a firearm as a convicted felon. The incident, which occurred in January, involved a high-speed chase and a desperate attempt to evade law enforcement, culminating in a crash and Fear’s discovery hiding under a vehicle.

According to court documents, a Montana Highway Patrol trooper clocked Fear driving 85 mph in a 65 mph zone just after 2 a.m. on January 11th. When the trooper attempted a traffic stop, Fear floored it, leading officers on a pursuit that ended when he crashed into a fence within Billings city limits. The vehicle was empty when officers approached, but a quick search revealed a .357-caliber semi-automatic pistol on the floorboard.

Fear was found attempting to conceal himself underneath the front of the vehicle, claiming others had been in the car but refusing to identify them – a claim unsupported by any evidence. Adding to his troubles, Fear was already on state probation for a previous drug conviction and had an active warrant for a probation violation. A subsequent search of the vehicle unearthed a significant stash: 216 fentanyl pills, 20 grams of methamphetamine, and packaging materials commonly used for drug distribution.

Fear pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of a firearm. He now faces a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison, a hefty $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release following his incarceration. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters will determine the final sentence after considering sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors. Fear remains free pending sentencing, scheduled for March 27, 2024.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Harper Suek is leading the prosecution. The case was a joint effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Eastern Montana High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area (HIDTA) Task Force. The ATF Denver Field Division was involved.

Federal officials tout this case as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods,” a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement and communities. The program emphasizes building trust, supporting community organizations, and strategically focusing enforcement efforts. Whether that translates to safer streets remains to be seen, but for Christopher Fear, the neighborhood just got a whole lot less welcoming.

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