Repeat felon sent to prison following discovery of weapons in vehicle while unconscious in driver’s seat

HOUSTON - A 34-year-old Houston resident has been ordered to federal prison for illegal possession of a firearm, announced Acting U.S. Attorney John G.E. Marck.

Chase Langston Wiatt pleaded guilty Sept. 25, 2025.

U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthal has now ordered Wiatt to serve 92 months in federal prison to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court heard about Wiatt's prior convictions and arrests involving the possession and use of a firearm. In handing down the sentence, the court noted his extensive criminal history and prior violence and threats of violence.

On Oct. 28, 2021, law enforcement responded to a call regarding an unconscious driver in a vehicle. They arrived and found Wiatt unresponsive in the driver's seat with the vehicle in drive.

Authorities noted Wiatt had bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. He admitted to consuming a cannabis edible prior to operating the vehicle.

A search of the vehicle led to the discovery of two pistols - one located between the driver's seat and center console and the other on the passenger seat.

The investigation revealed Wiatt had prior felony convictions for aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, escape and credit card abuse. As such, he is prohibited from possessing firearms per federal law.

He has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a Federal Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation with the assistance of Houston Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Luis Batarse prosecuted the case.