Houston man pleads guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm

HOUSTON – A 34-year old resident of Houston has pleaded guilty to unlawfully possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced U.S. Attorney Alamdar S. Hamdani.

Authorities identified Nathan Steward Oct. 4, 2019, as the subject of a suspicious persons call. Law enforcement took him into custody and discovered a stolen firearm in his bag.

Steward admitted he possessed the Sig Sauer .380 caliber pistol.

Previously convicted of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, federal law prohibits him from possessing a firearm or ammunition.  

“At the core of Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives' (ATF) mission to reduce violent crime is investigating and brining to justice prohibited individuals that chose to possess firearms, in violation of federal law,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Fred Milanowski. “These guns are disproportionately used to commit additional crimes and often threaten the public safety of our communities.”

U.S. District Judge George C. Hanks Jr. will impose sentencing Sept. 11. At that time, Steward faces up to 10 years in federal prison and a possible $250,000 maximum fine.

Steward was permitted to remain on bond pending that hearing.

ATF conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Shirin Hakimzadeh and Tyler White are prosecuting the case.