Jefferson County felon sentenced to federal prison for gun possession
BEAUMONT, Texas –A Nederland man has been sentenced to federal prison for firearms possession in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Christopher Wade Garbett, 40, pleaded guilty to possession of a firearm by a prohibited person and was sentenced to 37 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Michael J. Truncale on August 12, 2026.
According to information presented in court, in March 2025, law enforcement received information that Garbett was trying to sell three shotguns for $1,200. Garbett has multiple prior felony convictions and is prohibited from owning or possessing firearms. Undercover agents met with Garbett at a motel room in Groves to buy the guns. Garbett told the agents he had already sold one shotgun but would sell the other two firearms to them for $550. Garbett also discussed selling them more guns in the future.
Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) is the Department of Justice’s nationwide initiative that brings federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement, prosecutors, and other public safety partners together to coordinate efforts to combat violent crime and make communities safe. Coordinated by U.S. Attorneys’ offices in each of the 94 federal districts, PSN is tailored to particular communities to strategically address specific violent crime and public safety challenges. As a key component of Operation Take Back America, PSN serves a central role in the Department’s commitment to make our country safe. PSN emphasizes three core principles: rapid federal response to violent crime and criminal offenders; strong, strategic partnerships among law enforcement at all levels; and accountability and deterrence through the Law enforcement seized firearms from the vehicle prosecution of the most serious, readily provable offenses and other strategies. These efforts complement and strengthen President Trump’s Homeland Security Task Forces, ensuring a comprehensive federal response to the most pressing public safety issues facing communities.
This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and the Nederland Police Department and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel Grove.
