Alexis Nunez, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Washington 2023

Yakima, WA - In a shocking display of gang violence, Alexis Nunez, 23, has been sentenced to 57 months in prison for illegally possessing a firearm in Yakima, Washington. On January 25, 2023, Nunez was arrested by the Yakima Police Department after making threatening statements to employees at the Little Dutch Inn bar.

According to court documents, Nunez had been drinking alcohol and became agitated when he was told he would no longer be served. Witnesses said they heard Nunez make threatening statements, including that “he would have his homies shoot up the bar and burn it down.” Nunez also bragged that he recently had been released from prison.

YPD Officers observed Nunez and another person walking a short distance from the bar. As officers approached, they saw Nunez throw a black handgun. Officers then arrested Nunez. The firearm was a Taurus, Model G3 semi-automatic pistol. The magazine was loaded with more than 15 rounds of ammunition. Officers also discovered marijuana that was possessed for the purposes of sale.

On March 29, 2022, Nunez had been convicted of Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, a felony, in Yakima County Superior Court. Because of this conviction, Nunez could not legally possess a firearm.

“Alcohol, firearms, and felons can be a deadly combination. Mr. Nunez made violent threats to employees and was armed with an illegal firearm. I’m grateful no one was hurt,” stated U.S. Attorney Vanessa R. Waldref. “My office prioritizes cases that involve dangerous felons who illegally possess firearms. Along with our law enforcement partners, we will continue our collaborative, focused efforts to target violent offenders and make our communities safer and stronger.”

Nunez will be served 57 months imprisonment to be followed by 3 years of supervised release. The case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Yakima Police Department. This case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Thomas J. Hanlon.

Nunez's case highlights the dangers of gang violence and the importance of community partnerships in keeping our neighborhoods safe. As U.S. Attorney Waldref said, felons and firearms don’t mix, especially when alcohol is added into the mix. Hopefully, this sentence will give Nunez time to think about his life choices and change them going forward.

The Yakima Police Department and federal partners worked tirelessly to apprehend Nunez and remove him from the streets. The successful conviction of Mr. Nunez highlights the indispensable collaboration between the Yakima Police Department and our federal partners. These joint efforts underscore the commitment to safeguarding our community from violent offenders.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edwa/pr/gang-member-who-threatened-burn-down-yakima-bar-sentenced-57-months-illegally