GREAT FALLS, MONTANA – Deric Ron Welch, a 36-year-old Malta man, has admitted to illegally possessing a silencer, a federal offense that carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence, a $10,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
A search warrant was served at Welch’s residence after law enforcement responded to a domestic violence call, according to court documents. During the search, authorities recovered numerous firearms, a suppressor, drug paraphernalia, and methamphetamine.
The silencer found in the search was determined to be a device for silencing or muffling a firearm, but it was not registered as required by federal law, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said.
The case, prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Phillips County Sheriff’s Office.
The incident is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris will determine the sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for October 23. Welch was released pending further proceedings.
The PSN program, launched by the Department of Justice in 2021, focuses on fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
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