BEAUMONT, Texas - A 73-year-old Nederland, Texas man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

            Allen Philozie Baker pleaded guilty on May 23, 2012, to selling firearms without a license and was sentenced to 24 months in federal prison today by U.S. District Judge Marcia Crone.

According to information presented in court, Baker was a former federal firearms licensee whose license to sell firearms expired in 2008.  Baker did not renew his license, but utilized the “American Classifieds” newspaper to advertise and sale under the DBA “Bakers Firearms.”  During 2009, federal agents warned Baker via a hand-delivered letter that he should stop dealing firearms without a license.  Baker did not discontinue the activity.  In April 2010, an undercover agent purchased firearms from Baker, including an SKS-type assault rifle.  Baker was indicted by a federal grand jury on Jan. 26, 2012.
This case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative. Project Safe Neighborhoods is aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. Participants in the initiative include community members and organizations as well as federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

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