FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
RONALD TOBY BURD 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 Missoula on January 29, 2008, before Chief U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy, RONALD TOBY BURD, a 30-year-old resident of Butte, pled guilty to being in possession of a firearm and ammunition after having been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence. Sentencing is set for May 9, 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 January 15, 2003, BURD was convicted of domestic assault in the Circuit Court of Clinton County, State of Missouri.
On November 16, 2004, Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency officers located BURD while searching for other subjects in Butte. The officers arrested BURD on a city warrant. During the arrest, officers observed drug paraphernalia and a rifle butt in plain view.
During a search of BURD'S room, officers recovered a Norinko SKS assault rifle and 15 rounds of ammunition.
When interviewed, BURD admitted to ownership and possession of the Norinko SKS assault rifle. He stated that he had received the rifle from a friend in October of 2004. BURD also admitted to the misdemeanor domestic violence conviction in Missouri where he fought with his live-in girlfriend.
BURD faces possible penalties of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and 3 years supervised release.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Paulette L. Stewart prosecuted the case for the United States.
The investigation was a cooperative effort between the Butte Silver Bow Law Enforcement Agency 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.
