Colter Joseph Epler, Prohibited Person in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition, Montana 2019

HELENA, Montana - A Helena man who admitted possessing five firearms and ammunition after having been convicted of a felony was sentenced to 51 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Colter Joseph Epler, 40, pleaded guilty in June to prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition. U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon presided.

In court documents filed in the case, the prosecution said that on June 24, 2019, Epler, a convicted felon on state supervision, possessed five firearms and ammunition at his residence. During a search of Epler's residence by Montana Probation and Parole officers after Epler admitted using alcohol, officers found a firearm in his hamper and four firearms in his garage, along with ammunition of various calibers.

Epler was convicted of a felony in Lewis and Clark County in 2013 and was prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition. The prosecution said that Epler's actions demonstrate a blatant disregard for the law and a reckless disregard for public safety.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette Stewart prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Montana Department of Corrections-Probation and Parole Office. The case is part of Project Guardian, a federal initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws.

This case highlights the importance of Project Guardian in addressing gun violence and ensuring that individuals prohibited from possessing firearms are held accountable for their actions. The U.S. Attorney's Office in the District of Montana is committed to working with its federal, state, tribal, and local law enforcement partners to investigate and prosecute gun crimes.

In addition to his prison sentence, Epler will also serve three years of supervised release, during which time he will be subject to strict conditions designed to prevent him from possessing firearms or ammunition in the future.

The U.S. Attorney's Office reminds the public that individuals prohibited from possessing firearms and ammunition are subject to severe penalties, including prison time and fines. The public is encouraged to report any information regarding individuals who may be in possession of firearms or ammunition in violation of federal law.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/convicted-felon-sentenced-firearms-ammunition-possession