Convicted murderer sent to prison for illegally possessing pistol

HOUSTON, TX -- A 34-year-old Houston man has been ordered to federal prison for possessing a firearm as a felon, announced U.S. Attorney Jennifer B. Lowery.

Willie Randolph Moss Jr. pleaded guilty March 3.

Today, U.S. District Judge Diana Saldana handed Moss a 33-month term of imprisonment to be immediately followed by three years of supervised release. At the hearing, the court reiterated evidence that detailed how Moss attempted to blame someone else for having the firearm. Moss knew he was a convicted felon and could not use or possess a firearm.

The court also noted the firearm was stolen.

In handing down the sentence, the court considered his past criminal history and dangerous offenses. Judge Saldana also addressed his poor decision to drive from Houston to Laredo for criminal purposes and challenged Moss to take responsibility to avoid future criminal conduct.

On Jan. 15, authorities found him in possession of a pistol while traveling on IH-35 north of Laredo Texas in an effort to circumvent a Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint.

Moss is a convicted felon. He was previously sent to prison for 15 years in 2006 for committing murder during a robbery. As such, he is prohibited under federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Moss has been and will remain in custody pending transfer to a U.S. Bureau of Prisons facility to be determined in the near future.

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney Matthew Isaac is prosecuting the case.