TYLER, Texas - A 50-year-old Athens, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
Frankie Darrell Durant pleaded guilty on Jan. 8, 2013, to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 57 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Leonard E. Davis.
According to information presented in court, on July 26, 2011, three firearms were located in a storage room in Smith County, Texas which was being rented by Durant. Further investigation revealed Durant was a convicted felon having been previously been found guilty of possession of a controlled substance. As a convicted felon, Durant is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Durant was indicted by a federal grand jury on Sep. 12, 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 Texas Department of Public Safety and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Ann Cozby.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
