A Lewiston man, Bret Binette, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegal firearm possession. The sentencing was carried out by U.S. District Judge Nancy Torresen, who ordered time served followed by three years of supervised release. Binette had been detained since May 9, 2024, and entered a guilty plea on August 13, 2024.

Court records indicate that law enforcement officials conducted a probation check at Binette's residence in Lewiston in May 2024. Prior to the check, he was seen driving with a passenger in the front seat. A search of the vehicle uncovered a Glock model 45, 9 mm pistol. Although Binette denied ownership or possession of the firearm, the passenger claimed that Binette handed him the weapon as officers approached and he concealed it under the seat. Further investigation revealed that Binette purchased the firearm in March 2024 and admitted to possessing it during several recorded phone calls from Androscoggin County Jail. His previous felony conviction for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon in October 2023 prohibited him from possessing firearms.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with assistance from the Lewiston Police Department.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement agencies and communities. Launched on May 26, 2021, this strategy emphasizes building trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.