FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, August 14, 2008
WILLIAM BILLY DEE JOHNSON PLEADS GUILTY IN U.S. FEDERAL COURT
Bill Mercer, United States Attorney for the District of Montana, announced today that during a federal court session in Billings on August 14, 2008, before Chief U.S. District Judge Richard F. Cebull, WILLIAM BILLY DEE JOHNSON, age 26, pled guilty to being a felon-in-possession of a firearm. Sentencing is set for November 13, 2008. He is currently detained.
In an Offer of Proof filed by the United States, the government stated it would have proved at trial the following:
On September 3, 2007, Billings Police Department officers responded to a weapons call near Monroe and Jackson streets. While they were there investigating, they heard what sounded to be gunfire, followed by the sounds of tires squealing.
While responding, a 911 caller began reporting there was a fight outside a residence at on S. 38th Street. The caller said one of the subjects had a gun and was walking north into the alley. The caller then said the man got into a maroon SUV. The caller stated that the male was wearing a black t-shirt and chains. Officers arrived and observed a maroon Tahoe with JOHNSON in the driver's seat. He was wearing a black t-shirt and a large gold chain around his neck.
As JOHNSON was on felony probation at the time, his probation officer authorized a search of the vehicle. A 9mm pistol was found in a pull-out drawer behind the center console. The serial number on the gun had been obliterated. The gun was identified as a Hi Point C9 and was loaded with 7 rounds of ammunition. JOHNSON had a BAC of .214 and was intoxicated.
JOHNSON faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.
Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Ed Zink prosecuted the case for the United States.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Billings Police Department, Probation and Parole, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
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A copy of the Offer of Proof can be obtained by contacting Sally Frank at (406) 247-4638.
