Billings Felon Mack Harris Convicted of Gun Possession

BILLINGS – In a swift jury verdict, Mack Edward Harris, 49, of Billings, Montana, was found guilty after an intense one-and-a-half-day trial for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm following a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence. U.S. District Judge Susan Watters oversaw the trial that resulted in Harris now facing a maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison on each count, alongside a $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release.

Assistant United States Attorneys Paulette Stewart and Colin Rubich presented compelling evidence at the trial. On March 10, 2013, it was alleged that Harris unlawfully wielded a firearm in Billings. The incident had its roots in a domestic disturbance on Industrial Avenue where police were called to investigate.

Upon entering the scene, officers conducted a thorough safety sweep and discovered Harris hiding in a cupboard under the sink. He initially denied any knowledge of the firearm but was later confronted with the truth after police found a Hi-Point 9mm pistol under the dresser in the bedroom. A trace on the gun revealed it had been sold to Harris by an unknowing seller.

The Billings Police Department, alongside the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), conducted the investigation that led to Harris’ conviction. This case stands as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by felons with access to firearms and the diligent efforts of law enforcement in keeping communities safe.

Harris is the latest addition to the federal prison system’s ranks, due to his dangerous disregard for firearm laws and domestic violence concerns. The sentence he now faces underscores the severity of his actions and the justice system’s commitment to protecting the public from such threats.

As the trial comes to a close, many in Billings are relieved that Harris will no longer be able to pose a risk with a weapon. The conviction also serves as a stark warning to others with similar intentions, sending a clear message that firearm possession by felons is unacceptable and will not go unpunished.