Edward Lee Simien, 43, pleaded guilty on Sep. 9, 2022, to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 41 months (three years and five months) in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone.
According to information presented in court, on April 24, 2022, local law enforcement officers were serving an arrest warrant on Simien, when they observed Simien enter a vehicle near the rear of his business. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Simien, however, he fled from officers at a high rate of speed. Eventually, Simien ran into the fence of a local business, disabling his vehicle. Simien then exited the vehicle with what officers observed was a firearm with an extended magazine in his hand. Simien fled on foot and threw the firearm nearby.
Officers eventually took Simien into custody and recovered the firearm he discarded. Further investigation revealed Simien was a previously convicted felon and prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Beaumont Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.