Polk County Convicted Felon Indicted for Federal Firearms Violations

BEAUMONT, Texas – A 32-year-old Polk County, Texas man has been indicted for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Joseph D. Brown today.

James Vincent Chaney was named in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Apr. 3, 2019 charging him with possession of an unregistered destructive device and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.

According to the indictment, on Feb. 27, 2019, Chaney is alleged to have been found in possession of an unregistered destructive device and a firearm at his Polk County residence.  Further investigation revealed Chaney had been previously convicted of forgery in 2007 in Montgomery County, Texas and as a convicted felon is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

If convicted, Chaney faces up to 10 years in federal prison on each charge.

                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 is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy L. Coleman.

It is important to note that an indictment should not be considered as evidence of guilt and that all persons charged with a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.