GREAT FALLS, MT – Deric Ron Welch, 36, of Malta, Montana, is facing federal time after admitting today to illegally possessing a silencer. The bust unfolded after law enforcement executed a search warrant at Welch’s residence, revealing a cache of firearms, a suppressor, and evidence of drug use, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
Welch pleaded guilty to possession of an unregistered silencer, a charge that carries a hefty penalty. He now stares down the barrel of a potential 10-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will hand down the final sentence on October 23, after considering federal sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors. Welch remains free pending that hearing.
Court documents detail that the trouble began on May 27, 2023, when Phillips County authorities responded to a domestic violence call at Welch’s Malta home. This led to the securing of a state search warrant. During the search, investigators discovered not only numerous firearms but also a suppressor – a device designed to silence or muffle a firearm’s report. Crucially, the device wasn’t registered as required under federal law.
The investigation, spearheaded by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office, quickly established the silencer’s illegal status. Beyond the weapon attachment, officers also seized drug paraphernalia and methamphetamine, hinting at other potential charges that could surface later. The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case.
This case isn’t being treated as an isolated incident. It falls under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a federal initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by fostering collaboration between law enforcement at all levels and the communities they serve. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in 2021, emphasizing community trust, violence prevention, strategic enforcement, and measurable results.
The PSN program’s goals, according to Justice.gov/PSN, are to make neighborhoods safer by focusing on targeted enforcement and community engagement. Welch’s case serves as a stark reminder that possessing unregistered silencers – and the associated firearms and illegal substances – will not be tolerated. The full details of the investigation and sentencing will be updated as they become available.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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