Fort Worth Federal Jury Convicts Keller Man for Firearm Crime at DFW Airport

A Fort Worth federal jury convicted a Keller man of a firearm crime at the Dallas Fort Worth International Airport, announced United States Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Ryan Raybould.

Following a three-day trial, the jury convicted Xavier Lamar Mottley, also known as Xavier Thomas, 44, of Keller, on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

"DFW is one of the largest and busiest airports in the world, and as the North Texas area continues to grow, it is important that we remain vigilant to keep the millions of people who travel through our airports annually safe. I am committed to investigating and prosecuting any case that impacts the safety of our North Texas residents who use and travel through our airports," said U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould. "Congratulations to the trial team and the agents who worked tirelessly for the defendant to be held accountable."

"Through collaborative efforts with our law enforcement partners, we were able to identify and seize an unsecured firearm. This quick response ensured the safety of all those who traverse DFW Airport," said FBI Dallas Special Agent in Charge R. Joseph Rothrock.

According to evidence presented at trial, on July 24, 2024, while at DFW Airport, Mottley checked in a bag under the name of his minor daughter containing an unsecured and loaded Sig Sauer pistol. The jury heard that after authorities with the Transportation Security Administration and DFW Airport Department of Public Safety confronted him, Mottley lied about his felony status and weaved a story initially claiming, then disclaiming, his ownership of the gun.
The jury also heard evidence that Mottley had two prior felony convictions, a federal conviction for access device fraud and a state conviction for theft of property valued over $1,500. Mottley and his wife testified that the gun belonged to his wife and that she had forgotten to remove it from the backpack after taking a trip the year prior.

Mottley is set for sentencing on August 7, 2026, before Chief U.S. District Judge Reed O'Connor, who presided over the trial. Mottley faces up to 15 years in federal prison.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation and DFW Airport Department of Public Safety conducted the investigation with assistance from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Transportation Security Administration. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric B. Chen and Matt Capoccia prosecuted this case.