Thursday, August 23, 2012

Orange County Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms Violation


BEAUMONT, Texas – A 27-year-old Orange, Texas, man has been sentenced to federal prison for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

Michael George Mitchell pleaded guilty on Mar. 29, 2012, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 105 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Ron Clark.

According to information presented in court, on Jan. 24, 2012, law enforcement authorities were called to family disturbance on Know Street in Orange, Texas where Mitchell was holding an adult male and an 11-year-old child hostage with a revolver. During the almost three-hour stand-off, Mitchell threatened his hostages with the weapon and fired shots into the ceiling of the home. Mitchell eventually surrendered to SWAT officers and exited the house leaving his hostages inside unharmed. Further investigation revealed Mitchell was a convicted felon, having been previously found guilty of robbery in 2002, felony assault in 2002, possession of a controlled substance in 2005, and delivery of a controlled substance in 2005, all in Orange County, Texas. As a convicted felon, Mitchell is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Mitchell was indicted on federal firearms violations on Feb. 14, 2012.

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 ATF and the Orange County Sheriff's Office and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Joseph R. Batte.

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