Gabriel Martin Puga, Unlawful Possession of Firearms, Montana 2024
A Townsend man has admitted to illegally possessing guns after fatally shooting his girlfriend's dog following an argument.
GREAT FALLS — Gabriel Martin Puga, 33, pleaded guilty to prohibited person in possession of firearms and ammunition on December 4.
According to court documents, Puga was convicted of felony criminal endangerment in January in Broadwater County and was prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition.
On March 21, Puga got into an argument with his girlfriend regarding her dogs. The girlfriend told law enforcement that Puga threatened her numerous times, including to use a gun.
The same day, Puga took possession of his girlfriend's .380-caliber pistol and her one-year-old white labrador. Puga asked a friend to go with him to the mountains to help him kill the dog.
Puga faces a maximum of 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the case. The court will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.
Sentencing was set for April 16, 2025. Puga was detained pending further proceedings.
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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