A Boulder resident has been sentenced to 78 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release, for firearm possession charges. The announcement was made by U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.
Paul Anthony LaFournaise, aged 59, was convicted in December 2024 as a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. His case was overseen by Chief U.S. District Judge Brian Morris.
Evidence presented in court revealed that LaFournaise has several previous felony convictions, barring him from owning or using firearms or ammunition. Despite knowing of this restriction, LaFournaise was reported by a family member on May 11, 2024, who told the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office he was threatening relatives at their residence.
Authorities arrested LaFournaise for assaulting a partner or family member. Further investigation unveiled that LaFournaise's agitation stemmed from the disappearance of a bag containing a handgun and drug paraphernalia. His family had hidden the bag after discovering the loaded firearm inside. The weapon was identified as a Kel-Tec 9 mm pistol.
During a police interview, LaFournaise confessed to acquiring the gun from a friend for protection while obtaining drugs. This was corroborated by the friend, who admitted to giving LaFournaise the firearm.
The case was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office. The investigation involved the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, and the Montana Probation and Parole Office.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative that aims to bring together law enforcement and communities to curb violent crime and gun violence. The program was enhanced in May 2021 with a strategy focusing on trust, community support, strategic enforcement, and result measurement. More information on PSN is available at Justice.gov/PSN.