CODY, WY – Adam Shane Aviles, Jr., 26, is facing serious federal time after appearing in court Tuesday and entering a not guilty plea to charges of being a felon in possession of ammunition. The case, a joint effort between local and federal agencies, highlights the ongoing crackdown on illegal firearms access in the state.
According to court documents, Aviles, a resident of Cody, Wyoming, is accused of illegally possessing ammunition despite a prior felony conviction. Details of the original conviction weren’t immediately released, but the charge carries a hefty penalty. Federal prosecutors are seeking up to 15 years behind bars if Aviles is found guilty.
U.S. Attorney Nicholas Vassallo’s office is prosecuting the case, with Assistant U.S. Attorney Paige Hammer leading the charge. The government successfully argued for Aviles’s continued detention, meaning he will remain in custody pending the January 22, 2024 trial before U.S. District Court Judge Alan B. Johnson. Sources close to the investigation suggest the ammunition was discovered during a separate investigation, though details are scarce.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) played a supporting role in the investigation, alongside the Park County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI. While the ATF assisted, the initial investigation appears to have been spearheaded by local law enforcement, demonstrating continued cooperation between federal and state agencies.
If convicted, Aviles not only faces a lengthy prison sentence – up to 15 years – but also three years of supervised release upon completion of his term. He could also be slapped with a fine of up to $250,000. However, any final sentence will be determined by Judge Johnson, taking into account federal sentencing guidelines and other relevant factors.
It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is not a conviction. Aviles is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and provide updates as they become available, exposing the underbelly of federal crime in Wyoming and beyond.
Related Federal Cases
- Adam Aviles, Ammo Possession, Cody WY, 2023 · Wyoming
- Adam Aviles, Ammo Possession, Cody WY, 2023 · Wyoming
- Adam Hayat, Possession of Firearms Not Registered, Colorado 2017 · Wyoming
- Devon Souza, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Cheyenne WY, 2023 · Wyoming
- Christopher Ray Edwards, Ammo Possession, Wyoming 2023 · South Carolina
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