Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

BEAUMONT, Texas – A 35-year-old Beaumont, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Michael Anthony Victoria pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn.

According to information presented in court, on Dec. 10, 2016, Victoria was arrested and charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  As a convicted felon, Victoria is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Victoria was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 6, 2017 and charged with federal firearms violations.

Under federal statutes, Victoria faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative.  Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.

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