A Rusk man, Justin Jones, has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas. The announcement was made by Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Jones, aged 37, admitted guilt to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. He received a 24-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 15, 2025.
Court documents revealed that on December 4, 2023, Jones was spotted driving on County Road 2120 in Cherokee County. The Sheriff identified him and attempted an arrest due to an outstanding warrant. Jones fled on foot after abandoning his vehicle. A search of the vehicle uncovered his cell phone, two rifles, and a pistol. The phone contained a photo showing Jones with one of the rifles. His criminal record includes multiple felony convictions, including four previous instances of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Federal law prohibits convicted felons from owning or possessing firearms.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. This operation involves collaboration between the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
The investigation was conducted by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives – Tyler Field Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble prosecuted the case.
