Gregg County Man Guilty Of Possessing Stolen Firearm

TYLER, Texas - A 51-year-old Longview, Texas man has pleaded guilty to federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney John M. Bales today.

                Kym David Pearce pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm today before U.S. Magistrate Judge Judith K. Guthrie.

According to information presented in court, on May 20, 2012, a federal warrant was executed for Pearce’s arrest at his residence on Virgie Street in Longview, Texas.  As Pearce was being arrested, Gregg County CODE agents observed several firearms in the residence.  A search of the residence resulted in the discovery of eight firearms and several rounds of ammunition.  Pearce admitted that he knew at least one of the firearms in his residence was stolen.  Pearce was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 3, 2012 

Pearce faces up to 10 years in federal prison.  A sentencing date has not been set.
This case is being 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 Gregg County Organized Drug Enforcement (CODE) Unit, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Noble. ####