LUFKIN, TX – A Lufkin man with a history of violence is headed to federal prison after pleading guilty to possessing synthetic marijuana with intent to distribute and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Tyson Spencer, 48, was sentenced to 90 months behind bars by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale, the Department of Justice announced Tuesday.
The bust originated with a mundane call – a reported residential theft. Lufkin police officers responding to the scene encountered Spencer, who matched the description of the suspect. A search for stolen goods quickly turned up something far more serious: a firearm tucked inside Spencer’s backpack. That discovery alone was enough to land him in hot water, considering his prior conviction for murder, a felony that permanently bars him from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
But the contraband didn’t stop there. Officers also found a gallon-sized baggie filled with synthetic marijuana, indicating Spencer wasn’t just holding onto an illegal weapon – he was actively engaged in drug trafficking. He was subsequently indicted by a federal grand jury on August 19, 2020, and eventually entered a guilty plea on February 14, 2022, admitting to both the drug and gun violations.
U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston, of the Eastern District of Texas, highlighted the case as a key component of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) program, a joint initiative between federal, state, and local law enforcement. PSN focuses on targeting the most violent offenders and providing resources for crime prevention and re-entry programs. The program aims to reduce violent crime through focused enforcement and community partnerships.
The investigation was a collaborative effort led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) and the Lufkin Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter prosecuted the case, securing the lengthy sentence for Spencer. The ATF’s Dallas Field Division handled the federal side of the investigation.
Spencer’s 90-month sentence sends a clear message: those who combine violent criminal histories with continued illegal activity, particularly drug trafficking and firearms offenses, will face serious consequences in the federal justice system. The case underscores the ongoing commitment to removing dangerous individuals from the streets and protecting communities from violent crime.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Drug Trafficking|Weapons|Violent Crime
- Source: Official Press Release
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