A Jacksonville man with a previous felony conviction pleaded guilty to illegal firearms possession, according to a recent announcement by United States Attorney Roger B. Handberg. Christopher O'Neal Houser, aged 44, could face up to 15 years in federal prison for the offense, though a sentencing date has not been set.
Houser's run-in with federal law occurred on February 2, 2024, when he sold a sawed-off shotgun to another convicted felon. At the time of the sale, Houser's criminal record included a July 2019 conviction for methamphetamine possession, as well as past convictions for committing sodomy in 2001, and misdemeanor battery in 2019. His previous felon status prohibits him, from possessing firearms or ammunition per federal law.
The case against Houser was led by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and is currently being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Brenna Falzetta. The consequences of Houser's actions serve as a reminder of the stringent federal statutes that govern firearms possession in America, particularly for those with a criminal past.
This Jacksonville incident falls under the scope of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence through a collaborative effort between law enforcement and community organizations. Launched on May 26, 2021, the Department's revitalized strategy emphasizes "fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results." as part of an overarching plan to safeguard neighborhoods.
