Monday, August 11, 2014

Jury Convicts Houston Man on Firearm Charges



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.

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