New Orleans, Louisiana, resident Melvin Daniel Vargas-Reyes, 21, was sentenced on January 10, 2024, for being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A), announced U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans.
According to court documents, Vargas-Reyes admitted to possessing a Hi-Point, nine-millimeter pistol as an illegal alien. This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
Vargas-Reyes was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance to twenty-four months in federal prison. He was also ordered to pay a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
The U.S. Attorney praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
This case is a stark reminder of the dangers of gun violence and the importance of enforcing our laws to keep our communities safe. We will continue to work tirelessly to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone.
Defendant’s Information: Melvin Daniel Vargas-Reyes, Honduran National, 21 years old.
Criminal Charges: Being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).
City and State: New Orleans, Louisiana.
Exact Date: January 10, 2024.
Sentence or Outcome: Twenty-four months in federal prison and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Dollar Amounts: $100.
Related Federal Cases
- Jason Edward Myers, Possession of a Firearm by a Felon, Louisiana 2024 · Georgia
- Michael John Pereira, Possession of a Firearm in a Drug Trafficking… · Texas
- Rodriguez-Ruiz Sentenced for Illegal Re-Entry, Louisiana, 2023 · New York
- Taray Butler, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, LA 2014 · Alabama
- KWAME FLEMING, Murder Through Firearm, Louisiana 2024 · Washington
Key Facts
- State: Louisiana
- Category: Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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