Troy Willoughby, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Montana 2023

BILLINGS, Montana - In a shocking turn of events, a Montana man has been sentenced to 44 months in prison for possessing a rifle despite being a convicted felon.

Troy Willoughby, a 54-year-old resident of Lavina, Montana, was sentenced to 44 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment on [no date provided].

The sentencing was overseen by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters, who presided over the hearing.

Willoughby previously pleaded guilty to a single-count indictment charging him with being a felon in possession of a firearm.

The charges stem from a domestic assault case in Golden Valley County in November 2016, where law enforcement responded to a disturbance involving Willoughby. The victim later told authorities that Willoughby possessed a rifle, despite being prohibited from owning a firearm due to a previous felony conviction.

Willoughby initially denied possessing the rifle, but later admitted to owning the firearm and told law enforcement where it was hidden. The Savage, Model III, .270 caliber, bolt-action rifle and ammunition were subsequently recovered by law enforcement.

Willoughby's lengthy criminal history, which includes six previous felony convictions, was cited by federal prosecutors as a factor in their sentencing recommendations. His convictions include partner/family member assault and domestic violence, with the victims including his grandmother, his girlfriend, and her son.

The investigation into Willoughby's case was a collaborative effort between the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Golden Valley County Sheriff's Office, and other federal, state, and local agencies.

The U.S. Attorney's Office is actively working with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement to identify and prosecute individuals responsible for significant violent crime in Montana through the Project Safe Neighborhoods program.

The outcome of this case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of breaking the law, particularly for those who have previously demonstrated a propensity for violence and disregard for the criminal justice system.

Troy Willoughby, 54, Montana Felon in Possession of a Firearm, 2023

Defendant: Troy Willoughby

Crime: Felon in Possession of a Firearm

City and State: BILLINGS, Montana

Exact Date: [no date provided]

Sentence or Outcome: 44 months in prison, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment

Dollar Amounts: $100

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-mt/pr/lavina-man-sentenced-over-three-years-possessing-rifle