Convicted Felon Living in Fort Worth Sentenced to 78 Months in Federal Prison on Federal Firearm Conviction

AMARILLO, TX—A Fort Worth, Texas, resident, Bounthieng Sommay, 39, was sentenced on Tuesday, October 15, 2013, by U.S. District Judge Mary Lou Robinson, to 78 months in federal prison following his guilty plea in August 2013 to one count of being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Sarah R. Saldaña of the Northern District of Texas.

Sommay, a Laotian immigrant in the U.S. illegally, has been in federal custody since May 15, 2013, when he was arrested in the Dallas/Fort Worth area on various charges outlined in a federal indictment.

According to the factual resume filed in the case, on March 5, 2013, FBI special agents executed a search warrant at Sommay’s residence, as well as at his relatives’ residence, both located on Cane River Road in Fort Worth. At Sommay’s residence, agents found a .45 caliber semi-automatic handgun and ammunition. At his relatives’ residence, agents found two firearms, one having an obliterated serial number. Sommay admitted he owned all of the firearms.

Sommay is a convicted felon, having been convicted in South Dakota in 2008 for possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances.

At the sentencing hearing, Judge Robinson also ordered that Sommay forfeit the firearms to the government.

The case was investigated by the FBI; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; and the Potter County Attorney’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorney Vicki Lamberson is in charge of the prosecution, and Assistant U.S. Attorney John de la Garza is handling the forfeiture.