A man in Sarasota finds himself facing serious federal charges. Aristeo Ceron-Morales, 48, stands accused of unlawful possession of a firearm and illegal reentry into the United States. The grand jury has returned with an indictment that could land Ceron-Morales in federal prison for up to 17 years if he's found guilty on all accounts, as reported by the U.S. Attorney's Office.
Despite the conviction for a sex offense in 2002 and being removed from the country in 2003, Ceron-Morales, a convicted felon, was allegedly found in possession of firearms and ammunition. According to the indictment, these items include a Sig Sauer P226, a Savage 410 shotgun, and various rounds of ammunition. Convicted of "Sex Offense Against Child Fondling – Conduct by Person 18 Years of Age or Older," he illegally procured firearms and ammunition, the legality of which has forsaken him due to his past crimes and his status as an unlawful resident.
While the indictment stands as an accusation at this point, and Ceron-Morales is presumed innocent until proven otherwise, the case reflects the overarching intensity of Operation Take Back America. This initiative, as described by the Department of Justice, aims to curtail illegal immigration, dismantle cartels, and shield communities from violent crime.
Inspecting the case are federal agencies including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security – Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as the Manatee County Sheriff's Office. Teams from the Bradenton Police Department have lent assistance. The prosecution is being led by Assistant United States Attorney Abigail K. King, the indictment details that the United States expects to confiscate the firearm and ammunition associated with the offenses that are said to be proceeds of the crime.
