Joan E. Escobar-Reyes, a 26-year-old Honduran national, has been sentenced to thirty months incarceration after being found in illegal possession of firearms, the U.S. Attorney's Office reports. The sentencing, delivered by U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan lasy Thursday also includes a stipulation for three years of supervised release, as well as a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Escobar-Reyes was apprehended with two firearms — a Glock Model 32, .357 SIG caliber, semi-automatic pistol, and a H&R Model 92, .22 LR caliber revolver. The arrest, dated back on June 30, 2024, came under scrutiny as it was established that he was illegally residing in the United States at the time of his firearm possession. This infraction contravenes Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), which legally prohibits illegal aliens from owning firearms.
The prosecution of this case falls within the ambit of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative designed to combine efforts among law enforcement and community members to mitigate violent crime and gun-related violence. Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson lauded the collaborative investigation, which involved Homeland Security Investigations-New Orleans, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff's Office. According to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney's Office, "This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone."
Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis from the General Crimes Unit is to directly oversee the continuing proceedings. The Department unveiled its violent crime reduction strategy back on May 26, 2021, which has since aimed to not only enforce law and order but also to foster community trust, support organizations in preemptive violence prevention, and strategically to measure the outcomes.
