Hardin County convicted felon sentenced to federal prison for firearms violation

BEAUMONT, Texas - A Kountze man has been sentenced for a federal firearms violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

Joshua Kenneth Hope, 33, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 63 months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Marcia A. Crone on July 23, 2026.

According to information presented in court, very early on June 21, 2025, local law enforcement responded to a call of shots fired near a Kountze residence when they encountered Hope with a shotgun. Further investigation revealed that Hope was a convicted felon and had been previously convicted in Hardin County of aggravated assault family violence and assault on a public servant. Under federal law, convicted felons are prohibited from owning or possessing firearms or ammunition.

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 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 Hardin County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney John B. Ross.

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