Waco Jeweler Indicted on Firearms Charges
Michael Wayne Habern Jr. faces four new federal counts related to weapons found during a broader money laundering probe.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Financial Crime
A federal grand jury has indicted Waco business owner Michael Wayne Habern Jr. on four firearms charges. The new indictment alleges illegal firearms dealing and possession of stolen or modified weapons.
Why it matters
The indictment adds significant legal pressure to Habern, who is already facing charges in a separate federal case involving alleged money laundering. Prosecutors seek the forfeiture of all firearms and ammunition associated with these latest allegations.
Habern faces up to 5 years in prison for the first two counts and up to 10 years for each of the final two counts. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 28, 2026.
The players
Michael Wayne Habern Jr.
He is the owner of Waco Jewelers and the primary defendant in both the firearms and money laundering indictments.
Clemond Busby
He is a co-defendant indicted alongside Habern in July 2026 on federal money laundering charges.
The details
Prosecutors claim Habern, the owner of Waco Jewelers at 801 N. Valley Mills Drive, dealt firearms without a license and possessed a shotgun with an obliterated serial number. The charges also include possession of a stolen .380 pistol and a stolen 9mm pistol.
Timeline
The alleged start of jewelry sales to Habern began in 2024.
A grand jury returned an indictment for money laundering in July 2026.
The grand jury returned the new firearms indictment on October 13, 2026.
The next scheduled court appearance is October 28, 2026.
Legal Context
This indictment follows a pattern of heightened federal scrutiny regarding the operation of local businesses accused of trafficking stolen goods. It expands the scope of the original 11-count federal money laundering indictment returned in July 2026.
The charges highlight ongoing federal investigations into local businesses potentially handling stolen property. Residents should be aware that the government intends to forfeit items seized during these proceedings.
The takeaway
This case serves as a reminder of the broad consequences that follow federal indictments involving unlicensed weapon sales and property crimes. Legal proceedings often expand in scope as investigators uncover additional evidence during the discovery process.
What happens next
The defendant is scheduled for a court appearance on October 28, 2026.
Further reading
For more on ongoing legal proceedings in the area, visit the Financial Crime section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Kwtx.
