United States Attorney John M. Bales
Eastern District of Texas

ORANGE, TEXAS WOMAN GUILTY OF FOR FEDERAL FIREARMS VIOLATION

            BEAUMONT, Texas – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 50-year-old Orange, Texas woman has pleaded guilty to firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas. 

            SHIRLEY ANNETTE McMILLAN pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm today before U.S. District Judge Earl S. Hines.

            According to information presented in court, on Feb. 27, 2009, law enforcement officers responded to a report that McMillan was selling prescription drugs from her home on Tulane Road.  McMillan consented to a search of her residence by Orange County Constable Robert Strause, during which McMillan was observed sitting on a couch with her hand under a pillow.  Strause recovered a loaded pistol from McMillan's hand hidden underneath the pillow.    Further investigation revealed that McMillan had previously been convicted of assault with a deadly weapon in 1995 in Orange County, Texas, and as a convicted felon is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  A federal grand jury returned an indictment on Apr. 15, 2009, charging McMillan with federal firearms violations.

            McMillan faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing.  A sentencing date has not been set.

            This case is being investigated by the Orange County Constable's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Antonetta Stancu.

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