Thursday, September 09, 2010

Tyler Man Guilty of Stealing Oil Field Explosives

TYLER, TX—A 34-year-old Tyler man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Craig Elroy Knight pled guilty to an Information charging him with theft of explosives from a federally licensed dealer today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on Sep. 25, 2009, Knight was involved in the burglary of a locked storage unit at Owens Oil Tools, a Tyler oil field equipment company. The secured storage unit contained approximately 400 pounds of explosives, which were taken from the property and hidden. All of the explosives have since been recovered and secured.

Knight faces up to 20 years in federal prison and is in custody pending a sentencing date.

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 ATF, the FBI, the Smith County Sheriff's Office, and the Tyler Police Department and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Middleton.

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