An Orange, Texas man has been sentenced for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas. Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. announced that Alton Wayne Wallace, 31, received a sentence of 63 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. The sentence was handed down by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 13, 2025.
Court records indicate that law enforcement officers responded to a report of loitering behind a restaurant on 16th Street in Orange just before midnight on October 27, 2023. Upon arrival, officers found Wallace sitting on a gun in the passenger seat of the car described in the call. Another pistol was located on the floorboard in front of him. Further investigation revealed Wallace had previously been convicted of carjacking in Beaumont.
A federal grand jury indicted Wallace on May 1, 2024. Under federal law, individuals with felony convictions are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. On May 26, 2021, the department launched a strategy to strengthen PSN with core principles including fostering trust within communities and supporting organizations that prevent violence.
The investigation was conducted by the Orange Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross prosecuted the case.