Billings Crash Turns Into Gun Bust and Felony Guilty Plea

A Billings man has admitted to illegally possessing a firearm, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Kurt Alme.

Damian Andrew Roman, 26, pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm. Under federal law, he now faces up to 15 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release.

Sentencing to Be Determined

Roman entered his plea before U.S. Magistrate Judge Timothy J. Cavan. U.S. District Court Judge Susan P. Watters will hand down the sentence at a future date, following a review of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other legal considerations. Roman is being held in detention as the case moves forward.

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Prior Felony Convictions Barred Gun Ownership

According to court documents, Roman was convicted of two felony offenses in 2021 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Montana. Those convictions legally prohibited him from owning or possessing any firearms or ammunition.

Crash Leads to Discovery of Gun

On December 18, 2024, Roman was involved in a car crash in Billings. A witness at the scene told investigators that Roman threw a bag over a nearby fence before authorities arrived. Officers located a brown Louis Vuitton bag near the scene. Inside, they found a Glock Model 48 pistol, chambered in 9mm, with an extended magazine containing 18 rounds of ammunition.

Fingerprints Link Roman to Firearm

ATF agents traced the firearm to a purchase made by a family member of Roman. A fingerprint analysis revealed a partial print on the magazine, which was matched to Roman through forensic testing.

Agencies Lead Joint Investigation

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) along with the Billings Police Department. The case is being prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana.

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Part of National Crime Reduction Effort

Roman’s case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. Launched in 2021, PSN brings together federal, state, and local law enforcement with community partners to create safer neighborhoods through focused enforcement and community-based prevention strategies. More information about PSN is available at Justice.gov/PSN.