The United States Attorney's Office announced that during a federal court session in Billings, on August 30, 2012, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, RODRICK D. GANT, a 23-year-old resident of Billings, appeared for sentencing. GANT was sentenced to a term of:

Prison: 16 months

Special Assessment: $200

Supervised Release: 3 years

GANT was sentenced in connection with his guilty plea to two counts of false statements during a firearms transaction.

In an Offer of Proof filed by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Zink, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:

RODRICK D. GANT was convicted on March 18, 2009, of Misdemeanor Partner/Family Member Assault offense in Yellowstone County. The victim obtained an "Order of Protection" against him on June 28, 2010. In issuing the order, the court made requisite findings that prohibit GANT from lawfully possessing firearms. On September 13, 2010 and again on March 9, 2011, GANT attempted to purchase .45 caliber semi-automatic pistols from two federally licensed firearms dealers in Billings, Montana. On both occasions, GANT falsely stated on the required ATF Form 4473 that he was not previously convicted of "Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence" and not under the coverage of an Order of Protection, with a qualifying protected person. These statements were made with an intent to deceive the licensee in an effort to acquire firearms. These statements were material to the lawfulness of the sale of a firearm to GANT.

Because there is no parole in the federal system, the "truth in sentencing" guidelines mandate that GANT will likely serve all of the time imposed by the court. In the federal system, GANT does have the opportunity to earn a sentence reduction for "good behavior." However, this reduction will not exceed 15% of the overall sentence.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.

 

 

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