A 44-year-old Port Arthur man has been sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Christopher Bryan Jones pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 24, 2024. Jones, a Port Arthur resident, was caught with a pistol-grip shotgun in his vehicle during a police encounter in May 2022.
According to information presented in court, on May 8, 2022, Port Arthur police encountered Jones and a co-defendant, Bernard Colbert, in a vehicle parked at a convenience store on Gulfway Drive. The officers were investigating a shooting and questioned Jones and Colbert. During the questioning, the officers observed a pistol-grip shotgun on the back seat behind the men.
Further investigation revealed Jones had prior felony convictions from Jefferson County, including robbery and burglary of a habitation. Colbert, a 40-year-old resident of Baldwin, Louisiana, had felony convictions from Louisiana, including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A federal grand jury indicted the men together on Nov. 2, 2022. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The case was investigated by the Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.
The sentencing of Jones marks the culmination of a lengthy investigation into firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas. It serves as a reminder of the serious consequences for individuals who choose to disregard federal laws and engage in prohibited activities.
U.S. Attorney Diggs emphasized the importance of holding offenders accountable for their actions, saying, ‘We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that those who engage in violent crime and gun violence are brought to justice.’
As part of the PSN program, law enforcement agencies are working to strengthen community relationships and reduce violent crime. The program’s core principles include fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
The sentencing of Jones and Colbert is a significant step forward in the effort to reduce gun violence and make our neighborhoods safer. It serves as a reminder that law enforcement is committed to protecting our communities and holding offenders accountable for their actions.
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