TYLER, Texas – A Rusk man has landed himself a 24-month federal prison sentence after being caught with two rifles and a pistol in Cherokee County, according to a statement by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Justin Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm and appeared before U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 15, 2025.
The incident unfolded on December 4, 2023, when Cherokee County Sheriff’s deputies recognized Jones driving on County Road 2120. Attempting to stop him for an outstanding warrant, Jones abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. Inside the car, authorities discovered a cell phone with a photo of Jones holding one of the rifles, as well as two rifles and a pistol.
Jones has a notorious criminal history, including four previous convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal law strictly prohibits felons from owning or possessing firearms, a restriction Jones flagrantly ignored.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, an aggressive nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration, eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations, and safeguarding communities against violent crime. The Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN) have joined forces to streamline efforts and resources in this ongoing battle.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Tyler Field Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble prosecuted the case.
Related Federal Cases
- Smith Gets 10 Years for Stolen Gun Stash · New Mexico
- Van Zandt Felon Herring Caged for 63 Months on Gun Rap · Texas
- Farmersville Felon Sentenced For Gun Smuggling · Texas
- 49-Year-Old Grand Saline Man Sentenced for Felon in Possession of Firearm · Texas
- Nacogdoches Felon Watts Sentenced for Gun Law Violations · Texas
Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
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