A federal jury in Billings has found Joshua David Heafner guilty of possessing a firearm as a prohibited person, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. The verdict was reached after a two-day trial that commenced on March 17. Heafner, aged 40, could face up to 15 years in prison, along with a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.
U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters presided over the trial and will determine Heafner's sentence based on the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is scheduled for July 18, 2025. In the meantime, Heafner remains detained.
"Heafner, a convicted felon with prior convictions for assaulting a peace officer and robbery, continued to endanger the citizens of Billings by illegally possessing a gun, leaving the scene of an accident, and fleeing from police," said U.S. Attorney Alme. "I want to thank the law enforcement officers who investigated this case and the lawyers and staff in our office for their outstanding work during trial."
The prosecution presented evidence alleging that on March 14, 2023, around 8:00 p.m., Billings Police Department responded to a hit-and-run incident at North 31st Street and 6th Avenue North intersection. Officers discovered an unoccupied Volkswagen Passat at the scene and witnesses reported seeing a man resembling Heafner fleeing on foot following the accident. Inside the vehicle were found a black pistol, ammunition rounds, and a methadone bottle labeled with Heafner's name.
Heafner was later located near his residence but attempted to evade capture before being apprehended by police officers who had been aware of his outstanding arrest warrants at that time. Further investigation revealed Heafner's fingerprints throughout various locations inside the car as well as on a cell phone situated on its front driver’s side floorboard.
Previously convicted in September 2013 for multiple felonies including assaulting peace officers along with robbery charges within Billings city limits; this case against him has been prosecuted under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). This initiative aims at reducing violent crime rates through collaboration between different levels of law enforcement agencies alongside community partners across America while promoting trust-building measures among citizens they serve effectively combating gun violence nationwide today more than ever before needed most urgently so now!
For further details regarding PSN please visit https://www.justice.gov/psn