Austin Lee Lamb, Theft from a Federally Licensed Firearms Dealer and Possession of Stolen Firearms, California 2017

BILLINGS—Austin Lee Lamb, a 19-year-old resident of Billings, has been sentenced to two years in prison for his part in a pawn shop burglary where he and two accomplices stole firearms. U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced the conviction on Monday.

Lamb, along with his accomplices, attempted to break into Northwest Pawn & Gun in Billings on April 13, 2017, but a surveillance video caught them in the act. Lamb was able to pry open a door, and all three individuals entered the store. The video evidence led investigators to Lamb, who was found to be in possession of a stolen semi-automatic pistol and an AR-15 semi-automatic rifle.

The case against Lamb was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek prosecuted the case. U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided at the hearing, where Lamb pleaded guilty on June 26 to theft from a federally licensed firearms dealer and to possession of stolen firearms.

Lamb was also ordered to pay $650 restitution and will serve three years of supervised release following his prison term. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer for everyone.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme praised the efforts of the investigators and prosecutors who worked on the case. ‘This case demonstrates the importance of working together to combat violent crime and make our communities safer,’ Alme said. ‘I want to thank the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Assistant U.S. Attorney Lori Suek for their dedication and hard work in prosecuting this case.’

The Project Safe Neighborhoods program brings together federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement agencies and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime. The DOJ reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of its renewed focus on targeting violent criminals.

Austin Lee Lamb’s sentencing serves as a reminder of the consequences of committing violent crimes. The community can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Lamb will no longer pose a threat. As U.S. Attorney Alme emphasized, ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to keep our communities safe and bring those who commit violent crimes to justice.’

This case is a prime example of the success of the Project Safe Neighborhoods program in reducing violent crime and making neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

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