A federal jury in Great Falls has convicted Ian Allister Tomlinson, 45, of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
After a trial lasting one and a half days, Tomlinson was found guilty of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition. He faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Chief U.S. District Judge Brian M. Morris presided over the trial and will determine sentencing on December 17, 2025. Tomlinson remains released on conditions pending further proceedings.
Court records show that Tomlinson had previously been convicted in Idaho for felony possession of a controlled substance. In July 2024, he received a sentence not to exceed two years but was placed on probation for two years instead. His supervision was later transferred to Montana.
In August 2024, Tomlinson signed documents acknowledging that his right to possess or own firearms or ammunition was suspended while under supervision. One form stated:
"I further understand that my right to possess or own firearms or ammunition is suspended while under supervision. Federal law prohibits a convicted felon from possessing or receive firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)] Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for violation Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted."
The next day he signed additional probation documents agreeing not to use or possess any weapons.
On October 4, 2024, authorities were alerted by a witness who reported that Tomlinson kept several guns inside a safe at a local storage unit. Probation officers located him at work; he admitted owning the safe’s contents and provided the combination.
Officers recovered five rifles, six pistols, assorted ammunition, personal paperwork including his passport from the safe, as well as surveillance footage showing him accessing the storage unit days before the search.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Starnes prosecuted the case with an investigation led by Montana Probation and Parole Office with help from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and Cascade County Sheriff’s Office.
The case falls under Operation Take Back America—a national Department of Justice initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and violent crime through collaboration among agencies such as OCDETFs and Project Safe Neighborhood.
