Smith County Man Sentenced for Federal Firearms Violation

TYLER – A Tyler man will be going to prison for federal firearms violations. Martrice Smith, 38, pleaded guilty last October to being a felon in possession of a firearm. He was sentenced yesterday to 120 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider.

Federal prosecutors say Smith admitted that on October 20, 2010, he was in possession of a shotgun. Further investigation revealed Smith was a convicted felon, having previously been found guilty of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine in the Eastern District of Texas in 2005; possession of a controlled substance in Smith County in 2005; possession of a controlled substance in Smith County in 2004; and burglary of a vehicle in Smith County in 1997. As a convicted felon, Smith is prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Smith was indicted by a federal grand jury last September.