United States Attorney John M. Bales
Eastern District of Texas

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               CONTACT:  DAVILYN WALSTON
FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2010                                          PUBLIC INFORMATION OFFICER
http://www.usdoj.gov/usao/txe                                                                   DIRECT: (409) 981-7902
                                                                                                                      CELL: (409) 553-9881
                                                                                                    

BEAUMONT FELON GUILTY OF FEDERAL FIREARMS VIOLATION

BEAUMONT, Texas - A 29-year-old Beaumont man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

            Terry Jadine Castille pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm on Sep. 2, 2010, before U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on Apr. 8, 2009, law enforcement authorities responded to a mutual-combat shooting and found Castille in possession of an SKS-type assault rifle and handgun.  Castille admitted to using the rifle to shoot his victim in the back.  The victim refused to cooperate with authorities so state charges were not pursued.  However, the investigation revealed Castille was a convicted felon having two convictions in the Criminal District Court of Jefferson County, Texas for possession of a controlled substance.  As a convicted felon, Castille is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Castille was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 7, 2010.

Castille faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is 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 Beaumont Police Department and the ATF and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

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