Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, Firearms and Narcotics Trafficking, Ohio 2024

A Mexican national who opened fire in a local taco restaurant parking lot in Columbus, Ohio, has been indicted by a federal grand jury.

Abel Velasquez-Avecedo, 29, was charged with illegally possessing a firearm as an illegal alien and possessing with intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine.

According to charging documents, on April 11, Velasquez-Avecedo and another individual allegedly had an argument at Taco Nice restaurant in Columbus.

It is alleged that the defendant fired multiple shots from a vehicle while driving near the restaurant.

Local law enforcement authorities found Velasquez-Avecedo to be in possession of a pistol and 30 to 40 small baggies of narcotics.

The defendant has prior convictions including assault and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.

Possessing a firearm as an illegal alien is a federal crime punishable by up to 15 years in prison.

Possessing with the intent to distribute cocaine and methamphetamine carries a potential penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Kelly A. Norris, Acting United States Attorney for the Southern District of Ohio; and Jared Murphey, acting Special Agent in Charge, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Detroit; announced the indictment returned on June 17.

Assistant United States Attorney Elizabeth A. Geraghty is representing the United States in this case.

An indictment merely contains allegations, and defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Kumi Frimpong, Pill Mill Scheme, Texas 2017

Jun 9, 2017

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

John Yang, Methamphetamine Trafficking and Firearms Offenses, Wisconsin 2020

Nov 25, 2020

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Larry James Hooks, Jr., Methamphetamine Trafficking, Texas 2012

Mar 12, 2015

Drug Trafficking|Violent Crime

Titus Sanders, Distribution of Heroin, Kansas 2021

Apr 2, 2021