Reynaldo Bran Fonseca, 35, is back in federal crosshairs — charged with illegally reentering the U.S. and wielding firepower like he never left. A three-count indictment unsealed today lays bare the Honduran national’s alleged return to American soil and his possession of two loaded handguns months apart in 2016.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office in Louisiana, Fonseca slipped back into the country after being formally deported on November 5, 2010 — a violation of Title 8, United States Code, Section 1326(a). That alone carries a maximum two-year prison sentence, $250,000 fine, one year of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment. But the feds say Fonseca didn’t just reenter — he armed himself.
The indictment alleges Fonseca was in possession of a Colt .357 revolver on February 22, 2016, followed by a Glock semi-automatic pistol on April 7, 2016. Both weapons offenses fall under Title 18, United States Code 922(g)(5)(A), which bans illegal aliens from possessing firearms. Each count could land him up to ten years behind bars, another $250,000 in fines, three years of supervised release, and another $100 assessment.
U.S. Attorney Kenneth A. Polite confirmed the charges, emphasizing that while the evidence has prompted a federal indictment, Fonseca is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. The announcement serves as a stark reminder: illegal reentry with guns doesn’t slip past federal radar for long.
Homeland Security investigators spearheaded the probe, tracking Fonseca’s movements and building the case over time. Their collaboration with federal prosecutors underscores the government’s focus on intercepting armed non-citizens before violence erupts. Assistant U.S. Attorney Spiro G. Latsis now leads the prosecution, preparing for what could become a high-stakes trial.
Fonseca’s next court appearance looms as federal authorities signal zero tolerance for repeat immigration violators wielding weapons. In a region no stranger to gun crime, this case tightens the screws on those who defy deportation orders — then pack heat on American streets.
Related Federal Cases
- Honduran National Charged with Gun Violations · Louisiana
- Honduran Gun Runner Charged · Louisiana
- Honduran National Sentenced for Possessing Pistol · Louisiana
- Hammond Man Charged with Illegal Gun Possession · Illinois
- Ravious Darnell Thomas Gets 17+ Years for Gun, Drug Crimes · Louisiana
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Weapons
- Source: Official Source ↗
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