Convicted Felon Indicted for Illegal Possession of Firearms

SAN ANGELO, TX – On the afternoon of June 27, 2020, Justin Belbey was arrested after it was discovered he was in possession of multiple firearms including several rounds of ammunition after authorities confirmed Belbey had previously been convicted of a felony.

Federal Indictment records indicate Belbey was in possession of at least three fire arms and several rounds of various caliber ammunition at the time of his arrest.

On June 10, a Federal Grand Jury in Abilene indicted 37-year-old Justin Lee Belbey on one count of Convicted Felon in Possession of Firearms and Ammunition in violation of 18 U.S.C 922(G)(1) and 924(a)(2).

The following afternoon a motion for pretrial detention and continuance was submitted by U.S Attorney Juanita Fielden requesting that Belbey be detained by authorities due to concerns regarding the safety of the community, and to guarantee Belbey is present for proceeding hearings.

Upon his conviction on count one of the indictment and pursuant to 18 U.S.C 924(d) and 28 U.S.C 2461(c), the defendant, must forfeit any firearm and or ammunition involved in or used in the knowing commission of the stated offense, including, but not limited to the following: a .25 caliber Lorcin, a .22, (two) .22 caliber Mossberg rifles, and several rounds of various caliber ammunition. 

During a traffic stop On June 27, deputies with the Irion County Sheriff's Office arrested Belbey shortly after 3:00 a.m. where he is currently being held on a U.S Marshal hold. 

Under Texas Penal Code §§ 12.33, 46.04, the unlawful possession of a firearm by a known felon is a third degree felony that carries a punishment range of two to ten years incarceration for a defendant with one prior felony conviction including fine of up to $10,000.