U.S. Attorney Jesse A. Laslovich | U.S. Department of Justice
A Billings resident, Jacob Charles Berger, has admitted to possessing a stolen firearm following a series of break-ins into police vehicles. U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich announced that Berger, 28, pleaded guilty to the charge and now faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
The plea was entered before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. A sentencing date will be scheduled by U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors. Berger remains free pending further proceedings.
Court documents reveal that the Billings Police Department initiated an investigation in March into vandalism involving five law enforcement vehicles between March 5 and March 15, 2024. Items stolen included medical kits, body armor, and a 12-gauge shotgun with ammunition on one occasion.
Surveillance footage captured a suspect wearing black shoes and riding a black and red bicycle with skinny tires during one of the thefts. Investigators linked three fingerprints found on the recovered bicycle to Berger. He was subsequently arrested at his home on an unrelated warrant.
Berger confessed to stealing body armor, medical supplies, and a shotgun from police vehicles. A search of his garage uncovered seven additional firearms reported stolen between July 2023 and March 2024, along with the previously mentioned items.
The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with investigations conducted by the Billings Police Department and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.
This incident is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration among law enforcement agencies and communities they serve. The initiative focuses on fostering trust within communities while supporting organizations that prevent violence.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
