Source: Office of United States Attorneys
TYLER, Texas –A Rusk man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Justin Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 15, 2025.
According to information presented in court, on December 4, 2023, was seen driving on County Road 2120 in Cherokee County. The Sheriff recognized Jones and attempted to stop him for an outstanding arrest warrant. Jones abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene on foot. A search of the abandoned vehicle revealed Jones’ cell phone, two rifles, and a pistol. The phone also contained a photo of Jones holding one of the rifles. Jones has several prior felony convictions, including four prior convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Jones is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
This case was investigated by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Tyler Field Office. This case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble.
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