Durham Man with Previous Conviction for Domestic Violence Pleads Guilty to Possessing Multiple Firearms

PORTLAND, Maine: A Durham man pleaded guilty today in U.S. District Court in Portland to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

According to court records, on April 9, 2024, a deputy from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office served Richard Leblond, 51, with a temporary protection from abuse order. The deputy explained that as part of the order, Leblond was required to relinquish any firearms in his possession. Leblond informed the deputy that he possessed several firearms and consented to a search of his residence. During the search, investigators located multiple handguns, pistols, rifles and shotguns, all of which were recovered from two gun safes inside the residence. Further investigation revealed that Leblond had a 2009 conviction for a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, which precluded him from possessing any firearms.  

Leblond faces up to 15 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. Any sentence would be followed by up to three years of supervised release. A federal district judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Leblond will also forfeit the firearms seized.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigated the case with assistance from the Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office. 

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