Bloomsburg Gun Bust: 2 Years Behind Bars

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Nelson Pineda-Chacon, 31, is headed to federal prison for two years after a late-night argument turned into a reckless shooting in Bloomsburg, Columbia County, on May 7th. Cops responded to reports of gunfire at his home and found evidence of a recent discharge—spent shell casings and a bullet scattered across the driveway.

According to court records, Pineda-Chacon admitted to firing the 9mm Beretta into the ground during a fight with his wife. He then reportedly stashed the loaded weapon in his basement. The problem? Pineda-Chacon, a Honduran national who entered the US in 2009, wasn’t legally allowed to own a firearm. He was already deep in deportation proceedings when the shooting occurred.

The bust was a collaborative effort between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Pennsylvania State Police, and local law enforcement from Montour and Catawissa townships. Assistant US Attorney Tatum Wilson prosecuted the case, presenting it as part of the larger “Operation Take Back America,” a federal initiative targeting illegal immigration and related criminal activity.

Chief Judge Matthew Brann handed down the 24-month sentence yesterday. Pineda-Chacon will now face not only prison time but also certain deportation following his release. The case highlights the intersection of firearms offenses and immigration violations drawing heightened scrutiny from federal authorities.