AUSTIN CO. MAN SENTENCED TO 60 YEARS FOR REPEATED FIREARM POSSESSION OFFENSES

  

A 30-year-old Austin County man has been sentenced to 60 years in prison for felony firearm possession.

Cory Wayne Clayton was sentenced Thursday morning, after being found guilty last week by a Burleson County jury of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm by a Felon.

That offense is typically a third degree felony punishable by two to ten years. However, Clayton has multiple previous felony convictions, resulting in at least two prior, separate terms in prison.

Because of this, Clayton is considered to be a “Habitual Felony Offender”, making the punishment range 25-99 years, or life, in prison.

The offense occurred at Lake Somerville, in September 2016. A local Game Warden observed Clayton fishing, and found outstanding warrants when checking his license.

The Game Warden, with assistance from Somerville police, searched Clayton’s vehicle and found a revolver, along with methamphetamine paraphernalia. When searched, Clayton had meth and bullets for the revolver in his pockets.

At the hearing to determine punishment, it was learned Clayton had committed offenses in several counties, including Washington and Wharton, while out on bond and awaiting trial. Brenham police officers testified about the multiple other drug offenses from Washington County.

District Attorney Julie Renken commented after the case, saying recent sentences from both judge and jury show that the public wants higher punishment for repeat offenders. She said her office would continue taking a strong stance on habitual offenders such as Clayton.

Judge Carson Campbell presided over the hearing in the District Court. Assistant District Attorneys Barbara Enright and Ryon Adams represented the State, while Mark Aronowitz represented the Defendant.