Federico Cortez, Felon in Possession, Nebraska 2022

Federico Cortez, a 35-year-old Omaha man, has been sentenced to 85 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. Cortez’s crimes occurred between July 7, 2022 and July 8, 2022, when he sold stolen weapons to an undercover informant working with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF).

During the investigation, ATF agents searched Cortez’s residence and recovered another stolen firearm. His prior felony convictions include gang activity and a previous conviction for felon in possession of ammunition out of the State of California.

Cortez had argued for a lower sentence, but United States District Judge Brian C. Buescher found the circumstances of the crime warranted a lengthier sentence. Cortez was immediately remanded to the custody of the United States Marshals Service.

The case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence by bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve.

PSN is based on four core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results. The program was launched with a violent crime reduction strategy on May 26, 2021.

The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. Cortez will serve 85 months in prison, followed by three years of supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system.

This case highlights the importance of community-based programs and law enforcement working together to reduce crime and make neighborhoods safer. The PSN program is a crucial step in achieving this goal.

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