A Lewiston man, Bret Binette, was sentenced in U.S. District Court in Portland for illegal firearm possession. Judge Nancy Torresen sentenced the 19-year-old to time served with three years of supervised release. Binette had been detained since May 9, 2024, and pleaded guilty on August 13, 2024.
Court records indicate that in May 2024, law enforcement conducted a probation check at Binette's residence in Lewiston. Prior to this check, he was seen driving a vehicle with a passenger. A search revealed a Glock model 45, 9 mm pistol inside the vehicle. Although Binette denied ownership of the firearm, the passenger claimed that Binette handed him the weapon as officers approached and that he hid it under the seat. The investigation found that Binette purchased the firearm in March 2024 and admitted to possessing it during recorded phone calls from Androscoggin County Jail. His previous felony conviction for criminal threatening with a dangerous weapon in October 2023 prohibited him from possessing firearms.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led the investigation with support from the Lewiston Police Department.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which aims to reduce violent crime and gun violence by bringing together law enforcement agencies and communities. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
For more information about Project Safe Childhood: https://www.justice.gov/usao-me/psn