Laurel Man Pleads Guilty to Gun Charge After Shooting Himself in Leg

A Laurel man pleaded guilty today to possessing a firearm while under felony indictment, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith, according to a press release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.

Laurel Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Charge in Federal Court

Joel Antonio Crusselle II, 27, pleaded guilty to one count of having a firearm while under indictment, Smith said.

Crusselle faces up to five years in prison, a $250,000 fine, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment.

U.S. District Judge Kathleen S. Lane presided over the case and will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Dec. 9, 2026. Crusselle remained in custody pending further proceedings.

Yellowstone County Shooting Led to Federal Charge

According to court documents cited by the U.S. Attorney's Office, Crusselle accidentally shot himself in the leg while under felony indictment for assault with a weapon and strangulation in Yellowstone County District Court.

At a court appearance on Aug. 5, 2025, Crusselle was released on conditions that prohibited him from possessing a firearm, prosecutors said.

Laurel Target Shooting Incident Left Crusselle Injured

Despite that prohibition, prosecutors said Crusselle was target shooting with a .22 caliber revolver in Laurel on Feb. 16, 2026.

Law enforcement received a report of a person being shot. According to court documents, Crusselle shot himself in the calf while trying to place the revolver back into its holster.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Zeno Baucus is prosecuting the case. The ATF and the Yellowstone County Sheriff's Office conducted the investigation. Full details are available in the U.S. Attorney's Office press release.

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Editor's note: Information in this article is based on details provided by the U.S. Attorney's Office.