Department of Justice
For Immediate Release
Repeat Offender Sent to Federal Prison for Firearms Charge
HOUSTON – A 39-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison following his conviction for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Abe Martinez. Ronnie Thomas pleaded guilty May 15, 2017.
Today, U.S. District Judge Vanessa D. Gilmore handed Thomas a total sentence of 100 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release.
On Aug. 17, 2016, law enforcement attempted to stop Thomas on Belarbor Street in Houston after he failed to stop at a stop sign and failed to signal a right turn. Instead, Thomas led officers on a car chase through a residential area. Five police vehicles were ultimately involved with Thomas reaching speeds of 80 miles per hour.
After nearly three miles, Thomas crashed into a parked vehicle at a house on Belneath Street. He then got out of the vehicle, carrying a backpack, and led officers on a foot chase through several backyards. He was apprehended as he attempted to climb a fence surrounding a house on Belgard Street.
Upon his arrest, law enforcement officers discovered a gun, two high-capacity extended magazines and nine different types of drugs, including heroin, methamphetamine, zolpidem, cocaine, promethazine, ecstasy, methadone, codeine and marijuana.
Thomas has 12 Texas state criminal convictions as well as two previous convictions in federal court for possession of a firearm by a convicted felon and is thereby, prohibited from possessing a firearm per federal law.
He will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sam Brown IV is prosecuting the case.