Timothy J. Racicot Acting United States Attorney for the District of Montana | Wikipedia
A Boulder man has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison after being found guilty of possessing a firearm despite being a prohibited person. Paul Anthony LaFournaise, 59, received the sentence followed by three years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. The sentencing came after a December 2024 conviction for being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.
Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris led the proceedings. Evidence presented at trial showed that LaFournaise had multiple felony convictions, which barred him from handling firearms or ammunition. Despite knowing this, LaFournaise had a handgun in his possession. The situation came to light after a relative reported to the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office on May 11, 2024, that LaFournaise was threatening family members at their residence.
Following his arrest for partner or family member assault, the relative disclosed that LaFournaise was upset because a bag containing a handgun and drug paraphernalia had been hidden. The investigation identified the firearm as a Kel-Tec 9 mm pistol.
LaFournaise confessed to law enforcement that he had acquired the gun from a friend and was holding it for protection to obtain drugs. The friend confirmed this transaction was for LaFournaise's protection.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the investigation involved the ATF, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and Montana Probation and Parole Office.
This prosecution aligns with the goals of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a national initiative to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and enhance the safety of communities. For more details on PSN, visit Justice.gov/PSN.
