A federal jury in Missoula has found Alyssa Mikkel Tsuber, 32, of Seeley Lake, guilty of making a false statement during a firearm transaction. The verdict was announced by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Tsuber was convicted after a one-day trial on charges that she purchased a firearm for an individual who is prohibited from owning one. She now faces up to 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. Sentencing is scheduled for March 20, 2026, before U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy. Tsuber will remain detained until further proceedings.
According to evidence presented in court, law enforcement became aware that Tsuber had bought a firearm for another person using his money. During an interview with officers about the purchase and the information she provided on the Firearms Transaction Record, Tsuber stated: “I bought it, but no.” When law enforcement clarified by saying “You paid for it, but it wasn’t for you,” she responded: “Right.”
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office and investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Missoula County Sheriff’s Office.
This prosecution falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that coordinates efforts among law enforcement agencies and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence nationwide. The Department of Justice enhanced this program on May 26, 2021 with new strategies focusing on building trust within communities and supporting organizations aimed at preventing violence before it occurs. More details about Project Safe Neighborhoods can be found at https://www.justice.gov/psn.
“I bought it, but no.” Law enforcement clarified, “You paid for it, but it wasn’t for you.” She said, “Right.”
