A Plains man, Zen York Lowther, 36, was sentenced to five years in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possessing a firearm with an obliterated serial number. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced the sentencing after Lowther pleaded guilty to the charge in August.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided over the case. According to court documents, law enforcement discovered that Lowther was in possession of firearms and controlled substances while on state parole for felony burglary and theft. Authorities also received information suggesting that Lowther was involved in selling firearms.

Agents coordinated with a confidential source to arrange a meeting with Lowther for purchasing firearms on August 2, 2023, in St. Regis. Upon his arrival, Lowther was apprehended by law enforcement officers who found a 9mm pistol with an obliterated serial number and ammunition in his vehicle, along with a 12-gauge shotgun and $5,257 cash. A subsequent search of his residence led to the recovery of 19 additional firearms and two silencers.

The investigation was conducted by the Plains Police Department, Mineral County Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. The U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecuted the case.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and evaluating outcomes.

For more details about Project Safe Neighborhoods visit Justice.gov/PSN.