Cherokee County man sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

CHEROKEE COUNTY- A Jacksonville convicted felon has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, according to a press release from the Acting U.S. Attorney’s office.

According to information presented in court, on November 17, 2023, local law enforcement responded to a call regarding reckless driving. When they arrived at the location, they were shown doorbell security camera footage of an individual later identified as Eric Pryor, 52, stepping out of a car and firing four shots at a truck. The truck went through the front yard of the residence to avoid the shots. The two vehicles were soon located on Highway 135 and Pryor admitted to firing the handgun at the truck.

Further investigation revealed Pryor had several prior felony convictions, including burglary of a building, possession of a controlled substance, theft of a firearm, evading arrest with a vehicle, and felon in possession of a firearm. As a convicted felon, Pryor is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms.

Pryor pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 42 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker on August 21, 2025.