TYLER, Texas – A 38-year-old Tyler, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.
 
                Jose Eleazar Gamaz, also known as Jose Eliazar Gamez, also known as Jose Gamaz-Gonzalez, pleaded guilty on Jan. 19, 2012, to failure to register under the Sex Offender Registration and Notification Act before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

                According to information presented in court, in March 1997, Gamaz was convicted of a sexual assault in Colorado which required his registration as a sex offender.  In 2008, Gamaz moved to Athens, Texas without notifying authorities and updating his registration as a sex offender.  Gamaz was indicted by a federal grand jury on Nov. 2, 2011, and charged with federal violations. 

                Gamaz faces up to 10 years in federal prison. A sentencing date has not been set.

                This case is being investigated by the U.S. Marshals Service and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Christopher T. Tortorice.

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