24-year-old Saul Uriel Nunez-Vega, a Mexican national illegally residing in Jackson County, Oregon, entered a guilty plea for possessing a firearm unlawfully, an act prohibited by his immigration status. According to a U.S. Attorney's Office release, the charge arose from a violent attempt at kidnapping and a shooting in White City, on November 14, 2023, where the gun in question was found by authorities.
The investigation following the incident included a review of surveillance footage and other evidence, which placed Nunez-Vega at the scene before the gunfire occurred. Detectives were also able to establish a connection between him and the weapon used in the incident. Nunez-Vega was originally charged on December 15, 2023, and with the guilty plea, he could now face up to a 15-year sentence, a substantial fine of $250,000, and a supervised release period lasting three years after he's sentenced this upcoming August 13, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
The arrest and subsequent plea are part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative, which focuses on reducing violent crime and gun violence through collaboration between law enforcement and communities. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, PSN emphasizes prevention alongside enforcement by fostering community trust, supporting local organizations in violence reduction efforts, and implementing targeted enforcement strategies to address specific public safety concerns.
The case against Nunez-Vega is being handled by Homeland Security Investigations, who conducted a detailed investigation of the crime scene in White City. Assistant U.S. Attorney John C. Brassell is leading the prosecution.
