Moses Benjamin Castillo, 38, of Groves, Texas, has been sentenced to 63 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm as a convicted felon, announced Eastern District of Texas U.S. Attorney Damien M. Diggs.
Castillo pleaded guilty to the charge of being a felon in possession of a firearm. U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale handed down the sentence on May 23, 2024.
According to court information, on Sep. 28, 2022, Port Arthur Police received a tip-off regarding Castillo possessing methamphetamine and a firearm in the Central Mall parking lot in Port Arthur. Police stopped Castillo after witnessing a traffic violation as he was leaving the parking lot. Upon consent for a vehicle search, officers found a firearm, methamphetamine, and drug paraphernalia. Further investigation revealed Castillo's status as a convicted felon, rendering him prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case falls under Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by uniting law enforcement agencies and communities. The strategy, launched on May 26, 2021, emphasizes building community trust, supporting violence prevention organizations, setting targeted enforcement goals, and assessing outcomes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives along with the Port Arthur Police Department.
