Butte, Montana – A Butte man with a prior felony record has been sentenced to federal prison after authorities discovered multiple firearms and ammunition in his possession, despite laws prohibiting him from owning weapons.
Shawn Troy Thumper Saccheri, 49, received a 37-month prison sentence earlier this week, followed by three years of supervised release, according to U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme. Saccheri pleaded guilty in October 2025 to one count of prohibited person in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Dana L. Christensen presided over the case.
Search of Residence Revealed Multiple Firearms
Court documents state that on November 27, 2024, law enforcement officers executed a search at Saccheri’s residence after receiving information indicating he possessed firearms. Before the search began, Saccheri admitted he had prohibited items inside the home.
During the search, officers recovered five firearms, additional weapon components, and ammunition. The items seized included a Harrington & Richardson model 765 Pioneer .22 caliber rifle, a Winchester model 1912 12-gauge shotgun with a shortened barrel, a Western Auto Supply Revelation model 120 .22 caliber rifle, a Remington model 870 12-gauge shotgun, and a Winchester model 97 12-gauge shotgun. Investigators also located a Harrington and Richardson model Bay State shotgun receiver, assorted ammunition, and a magazine.
Federal law bars individuals with certain felony convictions from possessing firearms. Authorities determined Saccheri fell into this prohibited category due to his criminal history.
Prior Felony Convictions Led to Firearm Ban
Saccheri’s record includes multiple felony convictions tied to dangerous drugs. On October 11, 2018, he was convicted in Flathead County for distribution of dangerous drugs and sentenced to six years with the Montana Department of Corrections. Later, on June 9, 2023, he was convicted in Yellowstone County of possession of dangerous drugs, receiving a five-year sentence that was suspended with credit for 160 days already served.
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Because both offenses were punishable by imprisonment for more than one year, federal law prohibited him from possessing firearms or ammunition.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Katy Stack prosecuted the case, and the investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
The sentence underscores the legal consequences faced by prohibited individuals who possess weapons and reflects federal efforts to enforce firearm laws aimed at protecting public safety.
