Related Federal Cases
Defendant’s History of Violent Crime Catches Up to Him
BEAUMONT, Texas – 44-year-old Christopher Bryan Jones of Port Arthur has seen the inside of a federal prison after being sentenced to 78 months for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Jones pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 24, 2024. This is not his first run-in with the law. Jones has prior felony convictions from Jefferson County, including robbery and burglary of a habitation.
Jones was not the only one caught in the sting operation. Bernard Colbert, 40, of Baldwin, Louisiana, also pleaded guilty to the same offense and was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison by Judge Crone. Colbert had felony convictions from Louisiana, including possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
The investigation began on May 8, 2022, when Port Arthur police encountered Jones and Colbert in a vehicle parked at a convenience store on Gulfway Drive. The officers were investigating a shooting and questioned the men. During the questioning, they observed a pistol-grip shotgun on the back seat behind the men.
Further investigation revealed the firearm was in the possession of Jones, who was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on November 2, 2022. Under federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence. The program brings together law enforcement and community leaders to make neighborhoods safer for everyone.
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.
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
ðŸâ€Â’ Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
Violent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent CrimeViolent Crime