Honduras Native Pineda-Chacon Accused of Illegal Firearm Possession

SCRANTON – The grim specter of illegal firearms reared its head once more as Nelson Geovany Pineda-Chacon, a 30-year-old Honduran native, was indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm and ammunition by a prohibited person.

The United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania revealed that Pineda-Chacon, who resides in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, is accused of unlawfully possessing a 9mm Beretta handgun and 9mm Luger ammunition. The alleged offense took place on or about May 7, 2024, within Columbia County.

Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus highlighted that Pineda-Chacon, an alien illegally present in the United States, knowingly carried out this prohibited act. This case was diligently investigated by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson taking the lead in prosecution.

Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and eliminating transnational criminal organizations, is part of the larger effort to bring Pineda-Chacon to justice. The operation leverages resources from various Department of Justice task forces and programs.

Should Pineda-Chacon be found guilty, he faces a maximum penalty of fifteen years in federal prison, followed by supervised release and a substantial fine. As with all criminal cases, the final sentence will depend on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.

It’s crucial to remember that an indictment is merely an accusation, and Pineda-Chacon is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.