A Billings resident, Cody Lloyd Smith, was found guilty of possessing a firearm after a prior felony conviction, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Smith, 42, was convicted following a one-day trial for possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The offense carries potential penalties of up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the case and will determine Smith’s sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for May 28, 2026.
According to court documents and statements made during the trial, Smith was driving with three others in Carbon County on December 8, 2023. A Carbon County Sheriff’s deputy stopped Smith for speeding at 91 mph in a 65-mph zone. The deputy suspected impairment and used a trained K-9 to inspect the vehicle. After the dog alerted on the car, authorities seized it and conducted a search on December 9, recovering several items including a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol.
Smith was prohibited from possessing firearms due to his previous felony conviction in Nevada in 2016 for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger. The investigation involved the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).
“Kurt G. Alme said: ‘A Billings man who possessed a firearm following a felony conviction was found guilty by a federal judge today.’”
