Eastern District of Texas observes National Crime Victims’ Rights Week, continues vigorous prosecution of firearms-related offenses sentencing 17 defendants to over 261 years[...]

PLANO, Texas - Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs joins the Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime (OVC) and the Executive Office for the United States Attorneys (EOUSA) in observing National Crime Victims' Rights Week. This year's theme is "Listen. Act. Advocate. Protect victims, serve communities."

"Firearms are a staple in the world of drug trafficking, street gangs and cartels, and other criminal enterprises," said U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs. "We are committed to making our communities safer by keeping firearms out of the hands of violent offenders. The cases below highlight our work to eradicate gun violence in the Eastern District of Texas."

On April 15, 2026, Israel Sanchez Arciga, was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for trafficking methamphetamine. Arciga, an illegal alien, was in possession of a firearm when he was arrested.

On April 7, 2026, Brandon Elliot Bennett was sentenced to 87 months in federal prison for robbing a licensed firearms store in Plano of more than 60 guns, which he sold to others.

On March 24, 2026, Jaquallon Tyjuan Hargett was sentenced to 100 months in federal prison for robbing an individual of $100 at an ATM machine in Daingerfield. Hargett was armed with a pistol outfitted with a machinegun conversion device, also commonly referred to as a Glock-switch.

On March 10, 2026, William Charles Fincher was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm during a domestic violence disturbance. As a convicted felon, Fincher is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

On March 5, 2026, Charles Bernard Byrd, a Houston gang member, was convicted by a jury in Beaumont in connection with a violent crime spree that included multiple burglaries, auto thefts, and the armed robbery of two ATM repair technicians. Three of Byrd's fellow gang members had previously pleaded guilty. The defendants are awaiting sentencing and face from 20 to 45 years in federal prison.

On February 26, 2026, Victor Manuel Navarette Roman, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 18 years in federal prison for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime and trafficking methamphetamine.

On January 22, 2026, Abigael Colin Saldana, an illegal alien, was sentenced to 60 months in federal prison for his role in a conspiracy to traffic firearms from Texas to Mexico.

On January 5, 2026, Victor Heredia was sentenced to 78 months in federal prison for a string of convenience store robberies, during one of which he discharged a firearm in the ceiling of the store.

On December 11, 2025, Naiyme Kidd was sentenced to 117 months in federal prison for the armed robbery of a game room in Beaumont.

On December 9, 2025, Santana Deangelo Powell was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison after law enforcement discovered a hidden compartment in his vehicle full of methamphetamine and cocaine. Powell was also found to be carrying a firearm during his drug trafficking activities.

On October 2, 2025, Charleston Jamal Washington was sentenced to 168 months in federal prison for two armed bank robberies.

On September 16, 2025, Jahtaya O'Dayjah Hamilton was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison after being stopped for a traffic violation and found in possession of four stolen handguns.

On August 26, 2025, Victor Guardado Zepeda was sentenced to 231 months in federal prison for leading a violent crime spree which included robbing two convenience stores at gunpoint and severely beating a store employee. The stores were robbed of over $100,000.

On July 29, 2025, Carly Melana Fowler was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison, her co-defendant, Cole Ethan Schroeder had already been sentenced to 114 months in federal prison. The Jefferson County couple attempted to rob a convenience store armed with a rifle.

On July 9, 2025, Brian Keith Murphy was sentenced to 85 months in federal prison after firing shots at individuals in a gas station parking lt. Murphy was identified by police after monitoring a live-stream video of the incident.

On May 30, 2025, Keandre Marquis Robinson was sentenced to 405 months in federal prison for robbing a Beaumont convenience store and killing the store clerk. After shooting the clerk twice in the chest, Robinson stole cigarettes from behind the counter and fled with co-defendant Larry Nathaniel Hagan. Hagan was sentenced to 420 months in federal prison.

Achieving justice for victims and protecting their rights is our highest duty, and we are honored to participate in the national observance of this special week to honor victims and victim advocates.

For additional information regarding National Crime Victims' Rights Week and resources for victims, please visit https://ovc.ojp.gov/.

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