Zachary Paul Potts, Illegal Firearms Possession, Montana 2022

GREAT FALLS, MT – Zachary Paul Potts, 26, is headed to federal prison for four years after admitting he illegally possessed firearms while already under supervision for previous felony convictions. The sentence, handed down by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris, also includes three years of supervised release following his incarceration. The case highlights the revolving door of crime plaguing Montana and the continued flow of weapons into the hands of those legally barred from owning them.

Potts pleaded guilty in November 2022 to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The bust originated in the fall of 2021 when a routine traffic stop revealed far more than a suspended license. Great Falls Police pulled Potts over, and a subsequent probation search of his vehicle uncovered a deadly combination: a .357-caliber revolver stuffed in a backpack, and a 9mm pistol tucked under the driver’s seat. Potts readily admitted to knowing about the 9mm and having used it previously.

But the firearms weren’t the only contraband discovered. Authorities also found a small amount of methamphetamine, a significant quantity – over four grams – of fentanyl powder, a scale, and empty plastic baggies. While the initial charge centered on the illegal firearms, the presence of fentanyl, a particularly potent and deadly opioid, underscores the dangerous cocktail of criminal activity Potts was engaged in. The discovery points to a potential drug distribution operation alongside the illegal gun possession.

The investigation was a multi-agency effort, spearheaded by the FBI, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Great Falls Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Ethan R. Plaut led the prosecution, building a case that convinced Potts to plead guilty. The collaborative approach demonstrates a concerted effort to tackle violent crime and the illegal gun trade in Montana.

Federal officials are framing Potts’ sentencing as a win for Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at uniting law enforcement at all levels with local communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched a strengthened PSN strategy in May 2021, emphasizing community trust, preventative measures, focused enforcement, and measurable results. Whether this strategy will truly stem the tide of violence remains to be seen, but the prosecution of individuals like Potts is a key component.

The case serves as a stark reminder that repeat offenders continue to pose a significant threat to public safety. While a four-year sentence offers some measure of accountability, critics argue it may not be enough to deter others from engaging in similar criminal behavior. The Denver Field Division of the ATF played a role in the investigation, highlighting the agency’s ongoing presence and involvement in Montana’s fight against illegal firearms.

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