Athens Man Pleads Guilty to Firearm Violation

TYLER – A 31-year-old Athens man pleaded guilty Monday in Tyler to federal firearms violations. Robbie Devon Wilkins pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm before U.S. District Magistrate Judge John D. Love. According to information presented in court, on Dec. 22, 2009, Wilkins sold a semi-automatic rifle to another individual for $500. The rifle had been stolen during a burglary of the WULF Outdoor Sports store in Athens on Dec. 14, 2009. Wilkins admitted that he knew the rifle was stolen property when he sold it. Wilkins was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 6, 2010, and charged with federal firearms violations. Wilkins faces up to 10 years in federal prison at sentencing. A sentencing date has not been set.

This case is being prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Officials say Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence; deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor; and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.