A Houston man has been sentenced to federal prison for a firearms violation, according to an announcement by Acting U.S. Attorney Abe McGlothin, Jr. Bobby Ray Emanis, aged 40, received a 70-month sentence from U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone on February 18, 2025, after pleading guilty to possession of a firearm by a felon.
The case stemmed from an incident in September 2023 when a Liberty County Sheriff's Office deputy responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle on County Road 2286 in Cleveland. The vehicle was found parked with its lights off and lacked both a front license plate and registration sticker. Emanis, identified as the driver, informed the deputy about a sawed-off shotgun behind the seat. The loaded weapon was subsequently recovered.
Further investigation revealed that Emanis had previous felony convictions in Liberty County, Nacogdoches County, and Harris County. As a convicted felon, he was aware that federal law prohibited him from 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 agencies and communities. The program emphasizes fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Liberty County Sheriff’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matt Quinn prosecuted the case.