MISSOULA MAN SENTENCED TO 15 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR FELON IN POSSESSION OF A FIREARM

A Missoula man who admitted he illegally possessed a firearm and ammunition was sentenced today to 15 months in prison and three years of supervised release, U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme said.

Paul Aaron Champion, 52, pleaded guilty in December to felon in possession of a firearm.

U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided. The prosecution said in court documents that in September 2017, federal, state and local law enforcement conducted a home visit and probation check at Champion’s residence. Champion told his probation officer that he had used methamphetamine recently so his probation officer searched his residence. The officer found a bag containing a .380-caliber pistol and ammunition for the gun. Champion at first denied, then admitted the firearm belonged to him.

Champion was convicted of a felony and was serving a suspended sentence at the time. Assistant U.S. Attorney Cyndee Peterson prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Missoula Police Department and Montana Probation and Parole.

This case is part of Project Guardian, a law enforcement initiative launched in the fall of 2019 to reduce gun violence and enforce federal firearms laws. Through Project Guardian, the U.S. Attorney’s Office in the District of Montana is working to enhance coordination of its federal, state, tribal and local law enforcement partners in investigating and prosecuting gun crimes.

Project Guardian supports information sharing and taking action when individuals are denied a firearm purchase by the National Instant Criminal Background Check System for mental health reasons or because they are a prohibited person.

Champion’s sentence reflects the seriousness of his crime and the importance of holding individuals accountable for possessing firearms illegally. U.S. Attorney Alme praised the work of Assistant U.S. Attorney Peterson and the law enforcement agencies involved in the case.

Champion will serve his sentence at a federal correctional facility and will be under supervision for three years after his release. The case is a reminder that the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Montana will continue to prioritize the prosecution of gun crimes and work with its law enforcement partners to keep our communities safe.

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