Raymond Toulouse, Illegal Firearm Possession, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, MT – Raymond Lee Toulouse, 37, of Great Falls, Montana, is headed to federal prison for more than five years after pleading guilty to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction. The sentence was handed down today by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, marking the latest win for federal investigators targeting repeat offenders.

According to court documents, Billings police pulled over a suspicious vehicle in May 2022, finding Toulouse visibly impaired and packing a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol. The weapon, it turned out, was stolen from Butte. What’s worse, Toulouse was already a prohibited person – a fugitive from federal supervision in Great Falls, and a convicted methamphetamine trafficker.

This wasn’t a simple slip-up. Toulouse had already been convicted of a serious drug offense in U.S. District Court, stripping him of the right to legally own a firearm. He’d also skipped out on his federal supervision, adding another layer of contempt to his actions. The stolen pistol in his possession represented a clear and present danger to the public.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Colin M. Rubich successfully prosecuted the case, building a solid case based on the evidence gathered by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The ATF’s Denver Field Division spearheaded the investigation, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to keeping illegal weapons off Montana streets.

U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich framed the sentencing as part of “Project Safe Neighborhoods” (PSN), a multi-agency initiative designed to curb violent crime and gun violence across the country. PSN emphasizes community partnerships and focused enforcement to tackle the root causes of crime.

Toulouse received a sentence of five years and ten months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. While behind bars, he’ll have plenty of time to consider the consequences of his choices. The case serves as a stark reminder that illegally possessing a firearm comes with a hefty price, especially for those with a criminal past. The Department of Justice continues to prioritize cases involving illegal firearms and repeat offenders, working to make Montana communities safer.

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