Convicted Felon Sent Back to Prison

MARSHALL � A Gilmer man has been sentenced to federal prison today for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales. James Franklin Bracey, 35, pleaded guilty on Jan. 6 to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 34 months.

According to information presented in court, on Dec. 7, 2009, Bracey was found to be in possession of a rifle with an attached scope in Upshur County, which he was using to conduct surveillance on a neighboring Wal-Mart store and then steal items from the store. Further investigation revealed Bracey was a convicted felon, having previously been found guilty of burglary. Convicted felons are prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. Bracey was indicted by a federal grand jury on July 14, 2010 and charged with federal firearms violations.