BEAUMONT, Texas — A Port Arthur man was sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
Christopher Bryan Jones, 44, of Port Arthur, plead guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Jones was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on May 24.
The sentencing is a result of a May 8, 2022 incident where Port Arthur police made contact with Jones and another man identified as Bernard Colbert, 40, of Baldwin, Louisiana in a vehicle at a convenience store on Gulfway Dr.
The officers were investigating a shooting and questioned Jones and Colbert.
Police saw a pistol-grip shotgun in the back seat of the car as they questioned the two men.
It was discovered with further investigation that Jones had prior felony convictions in Jefferson County, that includes robbery and burglary of a habitation.
Colbert pleaded guilty to the same offense earlier this year. He was sentenced to 40 months in federal prison by Judge Crone.
Colbert's prior convictions in Louisiana also includes possession of a controlled substance and unlawful use of a motor vehicle.
A federal grand jury indicted Jones and Colbert together on November 2, 2022.
According to federal law, felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods that incorporates all levels of law enforcement with communities they serve to reduce violent crime, gun violence, and make neighborhoods safer, according to a release from the U.S. Attorney's Office.
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This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
