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LUFKIN, Texas (KETK) — A Lufkin man pleaded guilty to a federal firearms violation on Thursday after being arrested in March for possessing a firearm as a felon and trying to flee the scene of a traffic stop.

Michael Antoine Lovelady, 53, was arrested during a traffic stop on March 14 for outstanding warrants. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Lovelady tried to flee during his arrest and was caught with a firearm in his waistband.

It was discovered that Lovelady was a convicted felon who was not allowed to possess or own firearms. On May 15, Lovelady was indicted by a federal grand jury with the possibility of facing up to 15 years in prison, the U.S. Department of Justice said.

Lovelady’s sentencing will be determined by the court and a hearing will be scheduled following an investigation from the U.S. Probation Office.

The U.S. Department of Justice said this case is being investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lufkin Police Department.

“This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime,” the U.S. Department of Justice said. “Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”

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