TYLER, Texas - A Longview man has been sentenced to 20 years in federal prison for robbing a gun store and stealing dozens of firearms, including one that was later used in the shooting of a Longview police officer.
U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs announced that 26-year-old Kip Semauah Hurt pleaded guilty to Hobbs Act robbery and using a firearm in furtherance of a crime of violence.
On July 21, U.S. District Judge J. Campbell Barker sentenced Hurt to 240 months in federal prison.
According to court documents, Hurt robbed a Longview gun store on Aug. 1, 2024, making off with 31 firearms.
Law enforcement agencies, including the Gregg County Sheriff's Office, Marshall Police Department and Longview Police Department, later recovered many of the stolen firearms during subsequent investigations.
Authorities determined that one of the recovered firearms had been used in the shooting of a Longview police officer.
"Our priority was securing justice for the Longview community and the victims of this robbery, whose business empowered law-abiding citizens to exercise their Second Amendment rights," U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs said. "We have a duty to relentlessly prosecute anyone who threatens innocent lives in East Texas, and today's success is a direct result of the exceptional collaboration of our law enforcement partners."
Brian Garner, special agent in charge of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, said the case demonstrates the dangers posed when stolen firearms are used in violent crimes.
"ATF is proud to stand alongside our local, state, and federal partners in bringing this offender to justice," Garner said. "This case highlights the cascade effects when criminals obtain firearms. Through strong collaboration and determined investigative work, we were able to hold a violent offender accountable and make our communities safer."
Longview Police Chief Anthony Boone said the case underscores the commitment of local, state and federal agencies to combating organized criminal activity.
"This type of organized criminal behavior will not be tolerated in Longview and the surrounding area," Boone said. "Local law enforcement in Gregg County will continue working together and will utilize every available state and federal resource to combat crime."
The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Longview Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Farahnak prosecuted the case.
Because Hurt has pleaded guilty, been convicted and sentenced, the case has been adjudicated.
