A Nicaraguan national has been indicted on federal firearm charges, according to an announcement by United States Attorney Duane A. Evans yesterday. The man identified as Frander Ulises Espinoza-Rugama, 27, is charged with illegal possession of a firearm as an alien unlawfully present in the United States. The charges laid out invoke Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(2).
Court documents specify that Espinoza-Rugama, was found in possession of a Smith & Wesson Model SW9VE, nine-millimeter handgun, on or about June 30. Following the discovery, he was detained by officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations for immigration law violations, as per a Justice Department release.
The indictment carries a substantial weight, with Espinoza-Rugama facing the possibility of up to 15 years in prison, along with a maximum fine of $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and an additional $100 mandatory special assessment fee if convicted. It's fundamental to remember, the U.S. Attorney’s Office was careful to point out, that an indictment is not a pronouncement of guilt but merely a charge. "The guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," the U.S. Attorney's Office stressed.
This case is tied to Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a nationwide initiative that marshals together law enforcement at all levels, with the concerted aim to tamp down on violent crime and gun violence to foster safer neighborhoods. The strategy, backed since May 26, 2021, leans on fostering trust within communities, supporting organizations working on violence prevention, emphasizing strategic enforcement, and measuring outcomes, said the Justice Department.
Recognizing the joint effort in this investigation, U.S. Attorney Evans commended the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations and the Kenner Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit spearheads the prosecution on this case.
