A Beaumont man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation, as announced by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Demond Maurice Barnes, 46, was sentenced to 33 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on February 7, 2025. Barnes pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm.
The case arose from an incident on June 15, 2023, when law enforcement responded to a minor automobile accident in Port Arthur. Officers received information that one of the drivers had a firearm. Upon arrival, they found Barnes unconscious and unresponsive in his vehicle with a semi-automatic pistol under him. Further investigation revealed that Barnes was a convicted felon previously convicted in Louisiana for possession of cocaine and being a felon in possession of a firearm. As such, he was prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This prosecution is part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) Program, which aims to reduce violent crime through collaboration between federal, state, and local entities. The program focuses on enforcing laws against violent offenders while supporting prevention and reentry programs.
The investigation was conducted by the Port Arthur Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn prosecuted the case.