United States Attorney John M. Bales
Eastern District of Texas

OPERATION TIME MACHINE SENDS ANOTHER PORT ARTHUR MAN TO FEDERAL PRISON

            BEAUMONT, Texas – U.S. Attorney John M. Bales announced today that a 27-year-old Port Arthur, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison as a result of Operation Time Machine in the Eastern District of Texas. 

            JUAN JOSE VENTURA pleaded guilty on Nov. 9, 2009, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield.

            According to information presented in court, Ventura was convicted of a misdemeanor domestic violence assault in Jefferson County, Texas in 2007.  Under federal law, a person previously convicted of a family assault may not possess a firearm. Ventura was indicted by a federal grand jury and charged with firearms violations on Oct. 7, 2009.

            This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods' Operation Time Machine program. Operation Time Machine is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in Port Arthur, 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 Port Arthur Police Department and the ATF and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Baylor Wortham.

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