FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                     CONTACT:  Donna Krise
THURSDAY, JUNE 5, 2008                                     ACTING PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
www.usdoj.gov/usao/txe                                                                               PHONE: (936) 639-4003

LAKE CHARLES, LOUISIANA MAN SENTENCED TO 87 MONTHS FOR FEDERAL FIREARM VIOLATIONS

(Beaumont, TX)  United States Attorney Becky Gregory announced today that a 30 year old Lake Charles, Louisiana man has been sentenced to 87 months for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas.

 
            MELVIN BRADLEY BOUTTE had pleaded guilty in November of last year to being a felon in possession of a firearm.  Boutte was sentenced today during an appearance before the Honorable Judge Ron Clark.  In addition to his term of imprisonment, Boutte will also be required to complete a three year period of supervised release.

    
            According to information presented in Court, in December, 2006, Boutte was stopped by a Department of Public Safety Trooper on Interstate 10 for following too closely.  When the trooper approached the car, he smelled the odor of burning marijuana.  A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of $4995.00 concealed behind the glove compartment.  Along with the money was a .38 caliber handgun.  Boutte, having previously been convicted of a felony offense in Louisiana, is precluded from owning or possessing firearms.

            This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Calcasieu Parish (Louisiana) Sheriff's Department.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Dave Henderson.
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