TYLER, TEXAS – James Matthew Herring, 27, of Grand Saline, Texas, is headed to federal prison after a judge slammed him with a 63-month sentence for being a convicted felon illegally packing heat. U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced the sentencing today, a small victory in a district drowning in gun violence.
The bust went down January 21, 2014, when a Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Deputy pulled Herring over – he matched the description of a burglary suspect. It didn’t take long for things to escalate. Deputies found a revolver and a semi-automatic pistol tossed on the ground near his car. But that wasn’t all. A search also revealed drug paraphernalia, cash, and a stash of methamphetamine in a bag near the vehicle.
Herring foolishly agreed to a vehicle search, which uncovered another revolver hidden in the dash and a bag of ammunition in the trunk. Turns out, Herring wasn’t just enjoying a bad day; he was a repeat offender. Records show he’d already been convicted of theft and evading arrest with a vehicle in Collin County, Texas. Federal law makes it crystal clear: convicted felons aren’t allowed to own or possess firearms or ammunition. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23, 2014.
Herring pleaded guilty on August 6, 2014, to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm, effectively sealing his fate. U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis didn’t show much leniency, handing down the 63-month sentence. This wasn’t a case of simple possession; it was a clear disregard for the law and a potential threat to public safety.
This case was prosecuted under the umbrella of Project Safe Neighborhoods, a program aimed at tackling gun and gang violence across the Eastern District of Texas. It’s a collaborative effort, bringing together federal, state, and local law enforcement, along with community groups, to try and stem the tide of illegal firearms.
The ATF, the Grand Saline Police Department, and the Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office all contributed to the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble handled the prosecution, bringing Herring to justice. While 63 months won’t solve the problem of gun violence, it’s one less loaded weapon on the streets – and one more message sent to those who think they can flout the law.
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Key Facts
- State: Texas
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons|Violent Crime|Drug Trafficking
- Source: Official Source ↗
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