HELENA, MONTANA – In a shocking turn of events, Thomas Michael Shumate, a 35-year-old resident of Red Lodge, was sentenced to 27 months in prison for his role in a felon-in-possession of a firearm case.
The sentencing took place on September 10, 2013, before U.S. District Judge Sam E. Haddon.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Shumate was found guilty of being a felon-in-possession of a firearm, a charge that carries severe penalties.
Shumate’s troubles began when the owner of the Red Lodge Antique Mall called law enforcement on September 20, 2012, concerned about two firearms that they purchased from Shumate the previous day.
The firearms in question were a Savage/Stevens, model 94 – Series P, .410 caliber, break-automatic shotgun, and a Savage, model III, .300 Win Mag caliber, bolt-automatic rifle.
Further investigation revealed that the firearms were taken from a Red Lodge residence that Shumate was house-sitting.
Shumate’s prior convictions, including a felony burglary to a vehicle in 2005 and another felony burglary to a vehicle and felony theft in 2008, made him ineligible to possess firearms.
As part of his sentence, Shumate was also ordered to pay a special assessment of $100 and will serve three years of supervised release after his prison term.
Because there is no parole in the federal system, Shumate will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Red Lodge Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
Shumate’s case serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of violating federal firearms laws.
Defendant/respondent: Thomas Michael Shumate
Exact criminal charges: Felon-in-Possession of a Firearm
City and state: Helena, Montana
Exact date: September 10, 2013
Sentence or outcome: 27 months in prison, $100 special assessment, 3 years supervised release
Dollar amounts: $100 special assessment
Related Federal Cases
- Casey Wallace Leider, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Montana 2021 · Idaho
- Robert J. Thomas, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, West Virginia 2024 · Alaska
- Luis Javier Gaspar, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Montana 2018 · California
- Ryan Anthony Cislo, Felon in Possession of Firearms, Montana 2014 · Montana
- Jeremy Michael Sullivan, Possessing a Firearm, Montana 2018 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Montana
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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