Robert John Bigback, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Montana 2022

Local Man Faces Prison Time for Illegally Possessing Firearm

BILLINGS, Montana - Robert John Bigback, 28, was sentenced to 5 years and 11 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm, a crime that put him and those around him in grave danger.

According to reports, Bigback's mother found him asleep in her house with a gun next to his head on March 9. His father later brought the firearm, a stolen Smith and Wesson 9mm pistol, to the U.S. Federal Probation Office.

When Bigback woke up, his mother saw him frantically looking for the gun, which he had been using while under the influence of methamphetamine. Bigback had prior federal felony convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm and for distribution of meth, making him prohibited from possessing firearms.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Racicot prosecuted the case, which was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the U.S. Probation Office, and the Montana Division of Criminal Investigation.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities.

Bigback's sentence is a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking the law and the importance of following the rules.

Mandatory facts: Defendant Robert John Bigback, EXACT criminal charges: Prohibited Person in Possession of a Firearm or Ammunition, City and State: Billings, Montana, EXACT DATE with month/day/year: July (plea), March 9 (crime date), Sentence or outcome: 5 years and 11 months in prison, followed by 3 years of supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/billings-felon-sentenced-more-five-years-prison-illegal-possession-firearm