An East Helena resident, Justin Curtis Huckaby, 43, was convicted by a federal jury of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Huckaby was found guilty on two counts of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition after a two-day trial. 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 case and will determine the sentence at a hearing scheduled for January 8, 2026. Huckaby remains in custody pending further proceedings.
Court records showed that Huckaby had previously been convicted of a felony in Montana’s Thirteenth Judicial District on June 5, 2019. He received a sentence that included up to 15 years in custody with five years suspended and subsequent supervision by the Department of Corrections. As part of his supervision conditions, he was prohibited from “using, owning, possession, transferring, or controlling any firearm, [or] ammunition….” This condition was also read aloud to him in court.
On June 13, 2023, Huckaby signed documents acknowledging his understanding that he could not possess firearms or ammunition while under supervision. The 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 receiving firearms or ammunition [Title 18, United States Code Section 922(g)(1)]. Therefore, I understand I could be prosecuted for a violation of Federal law. I also understand that I could be punished for violating my conditions of supervision AND federally prosecuted.”
He also signed probation and parole conditions stating: “Weapons: I will not use, own, possess, transfer, or be in control of any firearms, ammunition (including black powder), or weapons.”
On August 5, 2024, law enforcement responded to an East Helena casino after receiving information that Huckaby had drugs and a firearm in his vehicle. Officers found Huckaby sitting in his truck outside the casino; he confirmed he was on parole but denied having anything illegal in the vehicle. Law enforcement observed a glass pipe with burnt residue on the console which later tested positive for methamphetamine. A probation search led officers to find a loaded 9mm handgun under the rear passenger seat and additional ammunition in a backpack. Huckaby admitted to handling the firearm earlier that day.
The investigation also revealed that Huckaby threatened another individual after suspecting theft of methamphetamine and money.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), Lewis and Clark County Sheriff’s Office, and State of Montana Probation and Parole conducted the investigation. The prosecution was handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America—a nationwide initiative involving resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN)—aimed at combating violent crime and transnational criminal organizations.
