FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                          CONTACT:  DAVILYN WALSTON
TUESDAY, JANUARY 29, 2008                      PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
WWW.USDOJ.GOV/USAO/txe                                        PHONE: (409) 839-2538
                                                                                                 CELL: (409) 553-9881

JEFFERSON COUNTY MAN GUILTY OF FEDERAL GUN CHARGES

BEAUMONT, TX – United States Attorney John L. Ratcliffe announced today that a 29-year-old Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas.
 
RONALD CHAD FERGUSON admitted to being a felon in possession of a firearm Friday before United States District Judge Marcia Crone.

According to information presented in court, Ferguson was stopped in Jasper County due to a curfew violation in October 2005 following Hurricane Rita and found to be in possession of a pistol.  In November 2006, Ferguson was found to be in possession of a stolen rifle during the execution of a search warrant at his Beaumont residence.  Further investigation revealed that Ferguson has four felony convictions and is thereby prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Records show Ferguson has two convictions for breaking and entering a habitation in 1999, one conviction for delivery of a controlled substance in 2000, and one conviction for possession of a controlled substance in 1997.  All prior convictions are in Jefferson County.   

Ferguson faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a fine of up to $250,000.00 at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set at this time.

            This case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Beaumont Police Department, the Jasper County Constable's Office, and the Jasper County Sheriff's Office and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John Craft.

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