Billings Teen Gets Federal Prison Time in Gun Case

A 19-year-old Billings man will spend more than three years in federal prison after being sentenced for illegally possessing firearms. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Montana, Andre Lamar Alexander was sentenced to 41 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release.

Prior Felony Meant He Could Not Have a Gun

Alexander was legally prohibited from having firearms due to a prior felony conviction. Court records show he had been convicted of felony escape in April 2025 in Montana’s Thirteenth Judicial District Court. Because of that conviction, he was not allowed to own or carry a gun. He pleaded guilty in November 2025 to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm.

Police Called After Reported Threats to Teen Girl

The case stems from an incident on August 3, 2025, when Billings police were called to a home after reports that a teenage girl had been threatened. According to court documents, the victim told officers that Alexander had sent messages demanding the return of his belongings. When she arrived home, she found him sitting in a vehicle outside.

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Investigators say Alexander got out of the car holding a pistol and made threats, including telling her she was “lucky” he didn’t shoot and warning that things would get worse if police were called. The victim also showed officers messages that allegedly included repeated threats.

Officers Find Gun and Ammo During Arrest

When officers arrived, they located the vehicle nearby and ordered everyone out. Police say Alexander was sitting in the front passenger seat, and as he exited, officers noticed a backpack at his feet. Inside that bag, investigators found a .40 caliber pistol, multiple magazines, and his wallet.

Jail Calls Reveal Second Hidden Gun

Authorities later learned there was more. While in jail, Alexander made phone calls admitting he owned a second firearm that had not been found during his arrest. Investigators later identified that weapon as a Glock 17 9mm pistol with an extended magazine loaded with 39 rounds.

Federal Agencies Led the Investigation

The investigation was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Billings Police Department. Those findings were brought to federal court, where Assistant U.S. Attorney Jacob Yerger prosecuted the case before U.S. District Judge Susan P. Watters. Federal officials say the case highlights the serious consequences of possessing firearms while legally prohibited.