Jasper County Convicted Felon Sentenced for Gun Violations

BEAUMONT, Texas - A 25-year-old Jasper, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston today.

Floyd Michael Richardson pleaded guilty on Oct. 4, 2016, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield.

According to information presented in court, on Mar. 27, 2016, law enforcement officers responded to a call from the Jasper Manor Apartments. An officer observed Richardson exiting a vehicle at the apartments with crack cocaine in plain view on the vehicle’s center console. Richardson fled the scene as officers attempted to apprehend him. A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded pistol, which had been reported stolen just a few days earlier. Further investigation revealed Richardson was a convicted felon having been previously found guilty in Jefferson County, Texas of theft in 2010 and robbery in 2010. As a convicted felon, Richardson is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Richardson was indicted by a federal grand jury on Aug. 3, 2016 and charged with federal firearms violations.

This case was prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods, 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 Jasper Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.