MISSOULA— A Kalispell man with a felony conviction was sentenced to five years in prison for illegally possessing firearms, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich said.
Matthew Ryan Cubberly, 36, pleaded guilty in April to prohibited person in possession of a firearm and possession of an unregistered firearm, charges that stem from a 2022 incident in which probation officers found two 12-gauge shotguns next to his bed during a search of his residence.
The guns, both with the stocks cut off and barrels less than 18 inches in length, were not registered with the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record. Cubberly was prohibited from possessing firearms because of his felony conviction for a drug crime in Flathead County.
Cubberly’s prison sentence will be followed by three years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kalispell Police Department, and Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation into Cubberly’s illegal firearms possession.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement and community members.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided over the sentencing hearing.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney prosecuted the case.
Courts documents revealed that probation officers suspected a violation by Cubberly in March 2022 and conducted a home visit, which led to the discovery of the illegal firearms.
According to law enforcement, Cubberly was found to be in possession of two 12-gauge shotguns with the stocks cut off and barrels less than 18 inches in length, violating federal firearm laws.
U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich emphasized the importance of holding individuals accountable for violating federal firearm laws.
The prosecution of Cubberly’s case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and reduce violent crime in Montana.
The five-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release handed down to Cubberly serve as a reminder of the severity of violating federal firearm laws.
Cubberly, 36, is now facing a lengthy prison term for his actions.
This case is a prime example of the need for stricter regulations on firearms and the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.
Courts documents revealed that Cubberly had a history of violating federal firearm laws and faced severe consequences for his actions.
Matthew Ryan Cubberly, the defendant, will be spending the next five years in prison for his crimes.
The investigation into Cubberly’s case was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Kalispell Police Department, and Montana Probation and Parole.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Brian C. Lowney successfully prosecuted the case against Cubberly.
U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy delivered the verdict in the case.
Cubberly’s case will serve as a precedent for future cases involving firearm possession and violation of federal laws.
This case is a prime example of the importance of holding individuals accountable for violating federal firearm laws and the severe consequences that follow such actions.
The five-year prison sentence handed down to Cubberly is a testament to the seriousness with which federal courts take firearm-related crimes.
Courts documents revealed that Cubberly’s actions were a clear violation of federal firearm laws and would not be tolerated.
Cubberly’s prison sentence serves as a reminder of the importance of adhering to federal firearm regulations.
The prosecution of Cubberly’s case highlights the ongoing efforts to combat gun violence and reduce violent crime in Montana.
The five-year prison sentence and three years of supervised release handed down to Cubberly serve as a reminder of the severity of violating federal firearm laws.
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Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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