A Guatemalan national has been sentenced to 18 months in federal prison for possessing a firearm in violation of federal law.
According to court documents, Juan Dionicio Romero-Mendez (23, Guatemala) was found to be in possession of a Chiappa Firearms pistol during a traffic collision investigation in Marion County, Florida, in January 2024.
Romero-Mendez is a citizen of Guatemala and is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition under federal law due to his illegal presence in the United States.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearm and Explosives, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.
Romero-Mendez entered a guilty plea on June 10, 2024. He was sentenced by United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program aimed at reducing violent crime and gun violence in communities. The program was launched with a violent crime reduction strategy that includes fostering trust and legitimacy in communities, supporting community-based organizations, and setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities.
Romero-Mendez’s sentencing demonstrates the commitment of law enforcement agencies to enforcing laws related to firearm possession and reducing violent crime in the community.
Related Federal Cases
- Pedro Garcia, Felon in Possession of Firearm, Florida 2017 · South Carolina
- Patrick Willie Smith, Gun Possession with Loaded Firearm, Florida 2024 · New York
- Deangelo A Rome, Unlawful Firearm Possession, Florida 2015 · Florida
- Pedro Garcia, Firearm Possession, Florida 2016 · Indiana
- Chamberlain Chaney, Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition, Florida 2016 · New York
Key Facts
- State: Florida
- Category: Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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