Jason Levasseur, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Maine 2023

CARROLL PLANTATION, ME – A routine state probation check turned into a federal case for Jason Levasseur, 47, who pleaded guilty today to being a felon in possession of a firearm in U.S. District Court in Bangor. The arrest underscores the persistent issue of repeat offenders illegally armed, and the federal resources brought to bear when state action triggers a federal charge.

The trouble began in November 2022 when a Maine State Police trooper spotted Levasseur’s pickup truck at a gas station in Danforth. Recognizing Levasseur as being subject to a probation revocation warrant, the trooper moved to detain him. The situation escalated quickly. According to court records, Levasseur was ordered to the ground and restrained, with the trooper discovering a sheathed knife on his belt.

When asked about firearms, Levasseur admitted to having a rifle inside the truck. A search of the vehicle revealed a .458-caliber rifle, wrapped in a blanket in the backseat, loaded with two rounds in the magazine and one in the chamber. It wasn’t Levasseur’s first brush with gun laws. He’s already accumulated three prior state convictions for illegal possession of a firearm, a clear pattern of disregard for the law.

Federal prosecutors are now pushing for a substantial sentence. Levasseur faces up to 15 years in prison, a hefty fine of up to $250,000, and up to three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The U.S. Probation Office will conduct a presentence investigation report to provide the judge with a comprehensive background on Levasseur before sentencing.

The case was a joint effort between the Maine State Police and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF’s involvement highlights the agency’s focus on tracking and prosecuting individuals who illegally possess firearms, particularly those with prior convictions. The investigation demonstrates a coordinated approach to gun crime enforcement at both the state and federal levels.

A federal district judge will ultimately determine Levasseur’s fate, weighing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on the sentencing when it is announced. This case serves as a stark reminder that illegally possessing a firearm, especially with a criminal history, carries significant consequences under federal law.

Related Federal Cases