⏱ 2 min read
A Liberty County courtroom erupted into chaos when convicted felon Allen Joe Fregia, Sr. made a play for a gun during his sentencing hearing, sparking a violent scuffle with law enforcement. On April 29, 2025, Fregia, 48, was being led out of the courtroom by multiple officers when he suddenly became enraged and noncompliant.
A struggle ensued, with Fregia managing to rip a firearm from one of the officer’s holsters. However, the officer was able to quickly regain control of the gun as other officers subdued Fregia. An officer suffered injuries during the altercation that required medical attention.
Fregia’s actions were a brazen display of defiance, given his history as a convicted felon. As such, he was prohibited from possessing a firearm, making the stunt all the more egregious.
On May 14, 2026, U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone sentenced Fregia to 14 years in federal prison for the firearms violation. The case was investigated by the Texas Rangers, Liberty County Sheriff’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, with Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman handling the prosecution.
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📋 Key Facts
- Crime: Violent Crime
- Defendant: Texas
- Location: TX
- Source: DOJ Press Release
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