A Kalispell man has been sentenced to two years in prison for possessing a stolen firearm, according to U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich. Joseph Christopher Steele, 24, admitted guilt in October 2024 to the charge of possession of a stolen firearm.
The sentencing was presided over by U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy.
Court documents reveal that in December 2022, John Doe reported to the Kalispell Police Department that his firearm safe, containing a .45-caliber pistol and two magazines, along with the title to his pickup truck, had been stolen from his vehicle. Days later, police found Doe’s stolen pickup title in a Subaru that had also been reported stolen. During an interview about the Subaru, Steele admitted he had driven it but denied knowing it was stolen.
In January 2024, officers from the Whitefish Police Department executed a search warrant at Steele’s residence while investigating a separate case involving a stolen cell phone. At the time, Steele was on state probation. Officers discovered a pistol matching the serial number of Doe's reported stolen firearm during their search.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office led the prosecution with assistance from the Kalispell and Whitefish police departments and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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 initiative emphasizes fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that work to prevent violence.
For more information about Project Safe Neighborhoods, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
