A Rusk man 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.
Justin Jones, 37, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and received a 24-month sentence in federal prison from U.S. District Judge Jeremy D. Kernodle on July 15, 2025.
Court documents revealed that on December 4, 2023, Jones was seen driving on County Road 2120 in Cherokee County. Recognized by the Sheriff, an attempt was made to stop him due to an outstanding arrest warrant. Jones abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot. A search of the vehicle uncovered Jones’ cell phone, two rifles, and a pistol. The phone also had a photo of Jones holding one of the rifles. With several prior felony convictions, including four for being a felon in possession of a firearm, Jones is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.
The case is part of Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating cartels and transnational criminal organizations while protecting communities from violent crime perpetrators. It combines efforts from 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.
