Billings Man Sentenced for Illegally Possessing a Firearm

A 40-year-old man from Billings has been sentenced to six years in federal prison after being found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm.

U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme announced that Joshua David Heafner will serve 72 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Jury Found Heafner Guilty in March

In March 2025, a federal jury convicted Heafner of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The trial was held in U.S. District Court with Judge Susan P. Watters presiding.

Hit and Run Leads to Gun Discovery

The case stems from an incident on March 14, 2023, when the Billings Police Department responded to a hit-and-run report around 8:00 p.m. at the intersection of North 31st Street and 6th Avenue North. Officers arrived to find an abandoned Volkswagen Passat in the middle of the intersection.

READ MORE: He Claimed He Was Sleeping, Then Things Got Disturbingly Creepy on a Flight From Montana

Pistol, Ammo, and Clues Found in Vehicle

Inside the car, police spotted a black pistol, ammunition, and a methadone bottle labeled with Heafner’s name. Witnesses reported seeing a man matching Heafner’s description fleeing the scene on foot.

Heafner Ran From Police, Again

Officers located Heafner near his home, but he took off on foot. After a brief chase, he was taken into custody. Investigators later confirmed his fingerprints on multiple surfaces inside the car, including a cell phone on the driver’s side floorboard.

History of Violent Felonies Made Gun Possession Illegal

Heafner’s criminal history includes previous felony convictions in Billings for assault on a peace officer, robbery, and assault with a weapon, all stemming from a 2013 case. Because of those convictions, he was legally prohibited from owning or possessing firearms.

Get our free mobile app

Joint Investigation by Local and Federal Authorities

The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Billings Police Department. It was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Jacob Yerger and Julie Patten.