Houston Man Sentenced to 60 Months for Gun Sale
A convicted felon who sold a pistol in Houston received a five-year federal prison term after pleading guilty.
Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in Drug Crime
Live Poll
Do you think illegal gun sales in your area are getting worse?
A Houston man was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, following his guilty plea on August 14. The case stemmed from his sale of a Taurus pistol for $450 to an individual in Houston on January 16, 2025.
Why it matters
The sentence reflects federal enforcement of laws barring convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. The court cited the defendant's extensive criminal record in imposing the term, underscoring how prior convictions can weigh heavily in federal firearm cases.
The defendant has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility, and must complete three years of supervised release after serving the 60-month term. The purchaser of the pistol is not named in the available record.
The players
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives
A federal law enforcement agency within the U.S. Department of Justice that investigates firearms trafficking and related crimes.
John Ganz
An Assistant U.S. Attorney who prosecuted the federal firearms case in the Southern District of Texas.
The details
Investigators with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives began the investigation in January 2025 after the man communicated through social media about selling a Taurus pistol and sent a video of the firearm. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Ganz prosecuted the case in the Southern District of Texas.
Timeline
January 16, 2025: The man sold the Taurus pistol for $450 in Houston.
August 14: The man pleaded guilty to unlawful firearm possession.
November 10, 2026: The U.S. Attorney's Office announced the 60-month sentence.
Legal Context
The case applies the federal felon-in-possession statute under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g), which bars convicted felons from possessing firearms or ammunition. Prosecutions under this law often turn on a defendant's prior record, which the court cited here.
The case shows that federal prosecutors pursue firearm sales involving prohibited buyers and sellers even when the transaction occurs through private arrangements. Residents who buy or sell firearms privately should confirm that both parties are legally eligible to possess them.
The takeaway
Federal firearm laws apply to private sales as well as licensed transactions, and a prior felony conviction can carry a multi-year prison term. Anyone considering selling a firearm should verify the buyer's eligibility before completing the transaction.
Further reading
For related local coverage, see more Houston Drug Crime reporting.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The United States Department of Justice.
Live Poll
Do you think illegal gun sales in your area are getting worse?
