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Karissa Beam, a 36-year-old former Ellsworth resident, was found with a Taurus handgun and a Glock handgun in an area of Trenton, Maine known for high drug activity. On January 8, 2026, Beam pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of firearms. The incident occurred when a Hancock County Sheriff’s Deputy encountered Beam, who was on state probation for a prior robbery conviction. Beam was searched by police, revealing the two handguns.
The case was investigated by the Hancock County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. It was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a nationwide initiative to combat violent crime and make communities safer.
U.S. District Judge John A. Woodcock, Jr. sentenced Beam to three years in jail, followed by three years of supervised release. This sentence reflects the seriousness of the crime and the need to protect the community from individuals who pose a risk to public safety.
The Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative is tailored to address specific violent crime and public safety challenges in each community. It emphasizes rapid federal response to violent crime, strong partnerships among law enforcement, and accountability through prosecution of serious offenses.
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