A Honduran national was indicted last week on charges of firearm possession as an illegal alien, Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced. The individual, Jhosmy Josue Perez-Alvarez, was found with a Glock nine-millimeter handgun on January 2 and could face up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Authorities, including the New Orleans Police Department and Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations officers, apprehended the 24-year-old following the alleged violation of immigration laws, the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana reported. Perez-Alvarez has been charged under Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(2). If found guilty, he faces a hefty penalty that includes, a potential $250,000 fine and up to three years of supervised release, after the prison term and a $100 special assessment fee.
In their announcement, officials highlighted the severity of the offense. "An indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt," Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson cautioned. This statement underscores the legal principle that an indictment does not equate to guilt and that Perez-Alvarez, like any defendant, is presumed innocent until proven otherwise.
Simpson praised the cooperative efforts between local police and federal agencies in addressing this case. In charge of the prosecution is Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit, who is taking the lead on ensuring the complexities of this case are navigated with due diligence, and the judicial process is carried out in accordance with the law. The case serves as a reminder of the ongoing collaboration between local and federal law enforcement in tackling gun possession among individuals not legally permitted to carry firearms in the U.S.
