The Department of Justice announced on Wednesday that Teodoro Diaz-Ochoa, a 44-year-old Mexican national, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Tucson on multiple firearms and immigration charges. According to the Justice Department's press release, Diaz-Ochoa faces charges, which include being an Alien in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, and Reentry of a Removed Alien. The indictment stems from two separate incidents earlier this year when Arizona Game and Fish Officers initially encountered Diaz-Ochoa during a hunting without a license investigation, discovering him with a Savage bolt-action rifle and ammunition.
The subsequent investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives led to a March raid on Diaz-Ochoa's residence, where they uncovered additional firearms, including a Remington semi-automatic shotgun. These charges carry significant penalties, with up to 15 years in prison and fines that could total $250,000 for the firearms charges, and a maximum of 20 years along with a fine for the reentry after removal charge. The case is part of a larger initiative dubbed Operation Take Back America, which aims to curb illegal immigration and dismantle criminal organizations.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Mary Sue Feldmeier is in charge of prosecuting the case, under which Diaz-Ochoa has not yet been proven guilty. The indictment signifies charges against Diaz-Ochoa, and as the Justice Department emphasizes, "An individual is presumed innocent until evidence is presented to a jury that establishes guilt beyond a reasonable doubt." The Operation Take Back America initiative combines efforts from different department task forces, such as the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
