Jury finds Hamilton man guilty of illegal firearm possession

MISSOULA - A Hamilton man who illegally possessed several firearms and ammunition was found guilty by a federal jury yesterday, Acting U.S. Attorney Tim Racicot said.

Following a one-day trial, Shawn Ryan Cowan, 28, was found guilty of being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and ammunition. Cowan faces 15 years imprisonment, a $250,000 fine and three years of supervised release.

U.S. District Judge Donald W. Molloy presided and will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing is set for August 26, 2026. Cowan was detained pending further proceedings.

The government alleged in court documents and at trial that law enforcement officers received information that Cowan was in possession of a firearm. A search warrant was executed at the defendant's residence where law enforcement located the following:

• Ruger SR-22, .22 cal. pistol;
• Raven Arms P25, .25 cal. pistol;
• F.LLI Pietta Fabrica D'Armi, Big Bore Rough Rider, .357 cal. revolver;
• Derya Arms (Derya Silah Sanayi) TM22-A-18, .22 cal. rifle;
• Marlin Firearms Co. 20, .22 cal. rifle;
• High Standard Sentinel, .22 cal. revolver;
• North American Arms NAA22, .22 cal. revolver;
• Smith & Wesson 18, .22 cal. revolver;
• Derya Arms (Derya Silah Sanayi) VRPA40, .12 cal. shotgun;
• Heritage Mfg. Inc. Rough Rider, .22 cal. revolver.

Agents also located various calibers of ammunition.

Cowan was previously convicted of Aggravated Assault in Montana, which is punishable by imprisonment for a term exceeding one year. Cowan also is required to register as a violent offender for life because he received another felony conviction while required to register. The defendant's right to possess a firearm was never restored under Montana or federal law.

The defendant admitted to law enforcement that he was "technically a felon," but stated he owned guns because his conviction was fraudulently obtained by county officials.

The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecuted the case. The investigation was conducted by the ATF and Ravalli County Sheriff's Office.

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