Tampa, Florida – A man has been sent to federal prison for being an alien in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. Jose Jaime Morado Zepeda, 28, was sentenced to three years and six months in federal prison by U.S. District Judge Richard A. Lazzara.
According to court documents, Morado Zepeda entered a guilty plea on November 15, 2023, for being an alien in possession of multiple firearms and ammunition. The charges stem from an arrest made by a deputy from the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office on June 27, 2023.
During the arrest, deputies recovered two Colt MK IV 45 caliber pistols, a Riley Defense Inc. RAK47 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, a Romarm/Cugir GP WASR-10/63 7.62x39mm caliber rifle, a Winchester 94AE 30-30 caliber rifle, and assorted ammunition from Morado Zepeda’s truck.
Subsequent to his arrest, an agent from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations performed an immigration records check on Morado Zepeda and determined that he was a native and citizen of Mexico with no legal status in the United States.
On July 14, 2023, during an interview with federal agents, Morado Zepeda admitted that he was born in Mexico, did not have legal status in the United States, and that he bought and owned the firearms located in the truck.
This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations Sarasota, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, and the North Port Police. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Karyna Valdes.
Morado Zepeda’s sentence brings an end to a case that began with his arrest on June 27, 2023, for driving under the influence. The discovery of the firearms and ammunition in his truck led to federal charges.
Morado Zepeda will serve his three years and six months in federal prison. The exact location of his imprisonment has not been disclosed.
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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