Billings, Montana – A Billings man now faces the possibility of a lengthy federal prison sentence after being found guilty of illegally possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Montana, 42-year-old Cody Lloyd Smith was convicted Monday following a one-day bench trial in federal court. The trial was held before Susan P. Watters, who found Smith guilty of possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Traffic stop led to federal charges
Court records show the case began with a traffic stop in Carbon County in December 2023. Prosecutors said Smith was driving a vehicle with three other people on December 8 when a deputy with the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office clocked the car traveling 91 miles per hour in a 65-mile-per-hour zone.
During the stop, the deputy suspected Smith may have been impaired, prompting further investigation. A trained K-9 was deployed to walk around the vehicle, and the dog alerted to the possible presence of drugs. Based on that alert, deputies seized the vehicle and obtained authority to search it the following day.
The search was carried out on December 9, according to court documents. During that search, law enforcement recovered several items, including a Taurus 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Federal prosecutors said Smith was legally barred from possessing firearms due to a prior felony conviction.
Records show Smith was convicted in Nevada in 2016 for carrying a concealed weapon without a permit, a felony offense that makes it illegal under federal law for him to possess a gun.
Sentencing scheduled for May
The charge Smith was convicted of carries serious federal penalties. He faces a potential sentence of up to 15 years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000, and three years of supervised release. Judge Watters will determine the final sentence after reviewing the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other factors required by law. Smith’s sentencing hearing is scheduled for May 28, 2026.
The case was prosecuted by Jacob Yerger. The investigation was led by the Carbon County Sheriff’s Office with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives.
Federal officials said the conviction highlights ongoing efforts to enforce firearm laws and hold prohibited individuals accountable when they unlawfully possess weapons.
