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Press Release

Panola County Felon Sentenced For Firearms Violations

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Texas

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

TYLER, Texas – A 45-year-old Carthage, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

                Kevie Lenn Johnson pleaded guilty on June 14, 2012 to possession of a stolen firearm and was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Leonard Davis.

According to information presented in court, on Jan. 26, 2012, Johnson took a .22 caliber rifle from a Carthage, Texas residence without consent of the owner.  Further investigation revealed Johnson was a convicted felon, having previously been found guilty of multiple felony crimes including possession of crack cocaine, burglary of a habitation, and robbery.  Federal law prohibits the possession of stolen firearms and further prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.  Johnson was indicted by a federal grand jury on Feb. 1, 2012 and charged with federal firearms violations.
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 ATF and the Carthage Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

Updated March 12, 2015