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A man found in Groves with a firearm received a serious jail sentence today due to his criminal past, authorities said.

U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield sentenced 24-year-old Luis Roberto Alonzo to 30 months in federal prison.

U.S. Attorney Brit Featherston said information presented in court indicated on April 26, 2021, law enforcement responded to a motel in Groves, where it was reported Alonzo refused to leave the property.

After making contact with the Beaumont man, it was determined Alonzo had an outstanding warrant. Officers also discovered a shotgun in the backseat of the vehicle he was seen exiting.

Alonzo is a previously convicted felon and prohibited by federal law from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on August 4, 2021.

This case was prosecuted as part of the joint federal, state, and local Project Safe Neighborhoods Program.

This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, the Groves Police Department and the Port Neches Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Russell James.