HOUSTON – Ronald Ray Norman, 32 of Houston, has been found
guilty of being a felon in possession a firearm and ammunition, announced
United States Attorney Kenneth Magidson. The federal jury sitting in Houston
convicted Norman following a three-day trial and approximately two hours of
deliberation.
During trial, the jury heard that a warrant had been out for
Norman’s arrest when law enforcement received information about him and the
vehicle he was driving. Testimony further revealed Norman had been regularly using
rental vehicles in order to shield himself from law enforcement. Officers
located Norman and the vehicle he was driving on Interstate 45 South on Feb.
12, 2014.
Officers attempted a traffic stop, but Norman jumped out and
fled on foot, while the passenger drove away in the vehicle. Norman was chased
on foot across all lanes of the highway, over retaining walls and along both
feeder roads. He briefly stumbled and officers approached. Testimony revealed
Norman then reached into his pocket, removed a silver and black .38 caliber
revolver and threw it on the ground.
He was soon apprehended and found in possession of five
rounds of .38 caliber ammunition.
Norman, a convicted felon, is prohibited from possession
firearms or ammunition.
His defense contended that there were no other witnesses who
saw him throw the weapon to the ground. His wife also testified and claimed she
had never seen him with a gun or ammunition. The jury was not convinced and
found him guilty on both counts as charged.
U.S. District Judge David Hittner, who presided over the
trial, has set sentencing for Oct. 31, 2014. At that time, he faces a minimum
of 15 years and up to life in federal prison. Previously in custody, he will
remain detained pending that hearing.
The case was investigated by the Houston Police Department
and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S.
Attorneys Jennie Basile and Joe Porto are prosecuting.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment