DOJ Seal

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Texas

For Immediate Release

Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Joseph D. Brown
, United States Attorney
Contact: Davilyn Walston

Port Arthur Convicted Felon Sentenced for Gun Violations

BEAUMONT, Texas - A 43-year-old Port Arthur, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

 

Robert Lee Johnson, Jr., pleaded guilty on Oct. 31, 2017, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 44 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

 

According to information presented in court, on Feb. 22, 2016, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at Johnson’s residence on 5th Avenue in Port Arthur.  During the execution of the warrant, officers discovered drug paraphernalia, a digital scale, Johnson’s prisoner identification card, ammunition, and a loaded semi-automatic handgun.  Further investigation revealed Johnson was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of numerous felony offenses, including multiple convictions for possession of cocaine.  As a convicted felon, Johnson is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 10, 2017 and charged with federal firearms violations.

 

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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, the Port Arthur Police Department, and the Jefferson County Crime Lab.  This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Randall L. Fluke.

 

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Houston Field Division