Raymond Lee Toulouse, Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm, Montana 2022

Related Federal Cases

Table of Contents

Defendant Faces Five Years and 10 Months Behind Bars for Gun Crime

BILLINGS – In a move aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in the region, a Great Falls man has been sentenced to a significant prison term for his role in a felony firearm possession case. Raymond Lee Toulouse, 37, pleaded guilty in November 2022 to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

On May 26, 2022, Billings police officers conducted a welfare check on a suspicious vehicle and discovered Toulouse under the influence of an unknown substance and in possession of a loaded 9 mm semi-automatic pistol, which had been stolen in Butte. At the time of the incident, Toulouse had absconded from federal supervision in Great Falls and was prohibited from possessing firearms due to a 2018 conviction for methamphetamine trafficking in U.S. District Court.

U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich led the prosecution, working closely with the ATF to build a strong case against Toulouse.

This case is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community organizations aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. PSN is built on four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.

The sentencing of Toulouse serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of violating firearm laws in Montana. As the state continues to grapple with the issue of gun violence, this case highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions.

With a sentence of five years and 10 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, Toulouse will face significant time behind bars for his role in this serious crime. The case serves as a testament to the dedication of law enforcement agencies and prosecutors in Montana, who work tirelessly to keep their communities safe.

In a statement, U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich praised the work of the ATF and Assistant U.S. Attorney Rubich, saying, ‘This case demonstrates the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and working together to reduce violent crime and gun violence in our communities.’