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Press Release

Shelby County Man Sentenced For Federal Firearms Violations

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

Department of Justice
Office of Public Affairs

     BEAUMONT, Texas – A 68-year-old Center, 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. 

John Madison Hughes pleaded guilty on Oct. 2, 2013, to possessing a stolen firearm and was sentenced to 72 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.  

According to information presented in court, on Oct. 17, 2012, a law enforcement officer was dispatched to a residence on County Road (CR) 1286 in Shelby County, Texas regarding a domestic disturbance involving Hughes and his girlfriend.  A sheriff’s deputy stopped Hughes’ truck on CR 1286 and detained Hughes pending further investigation.  The deputy observed a rifle on the seat of Hughes’ truck.  Hughes’ girlfriend told deputies the rifle belonged to her an Hughes took it without her consent.  Hughes was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 23, 2013, and charged with federal firearms violations.

This case was 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 Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.

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Updated March 12, 2015