A Lufkin resident has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge in the Eastern District of Texas, according to an announcement from Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.
Michael Antoine Lovelady, 53, admitted guilt on August 14, 2025, before U.S. Magistrate Judge Christine L. Stetson for being a felon in possession of a firearm.
Court records state that Lovelady was arrested on March 14, 2025, during a traffic stop related to outstanding warrants. During the arrest, he attempted to flee but was apprehended. Officers found a firearm in his waistband. Further investigation determined that Lovelady is a convicted felon and therefore prohibited from possessing firearms.
A federal grand jury indicted Lovelady on May 15, 2025. He could face up to 15 years in federal prison at sentencing. The final sentence will be decided by the court after considering advisory guidelines and statutory factors following a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.
“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. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Lufkin Police Department are investigating this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Donald S. Carter is prosecuting.
