A Sunset, Louisiana, man was sentenced on July 30 to more than 25 years in federal prison for a violent crime spree in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement from U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Bracelon Armon Charles, 23, pleaded guilty to attempted carjacking; carjacking; Hobbs Act robbery; and discharging a firearm during a crime of violence. U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone sentenced Charles to 308 months in federal prison.
According to information presented in court, Charles and a juvenile participated in a series of crimes on October 6-7, 2023. The incidents included the attempted carjacking of a vehicle in Beaumont and the shooting of the vehicle’s owner, another carjacking in Port Arthur, and an attempted armed robbery at a convenience store in Beaumont.
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the Beaumont Police Department; the Port Arthur Police Department; and the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Tommy Coleman prosecuted the case.
Project Safe Neighborhoods is described as “the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe.” The program operates under three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability through prosecution or other strategies.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Texas supports victims through dedicated services; has offices across several cities including Beaumont; employs about 100 staff members with approximately 50 assistant attorneys; prosecutes federal crimes while delivering civil litigation services; covers 43 counties in East Texas as part of its work within the United States Department of Justice—all according to its official website.