MILTON RAYO CASTILLO, Firearm Possession, Louisiana 2024

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – MILTON RAYO CASTILLO, a 26-year-old native of Costa Rica, pled guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A).

According to the indictment, on or about March 10, 2024, CASTILLO brandished a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol at a patron while at a Kenner, La. restaurant. He was subsequently found to be in possession of this firearm, an alien illegally present in the United States.

CASTILLO faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. 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.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.

The indictment, as part of PSN, aims to strengthen the community by fostering trust and legitimacy, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

MANDATORY FACTS: Defendant/respondent name: MILTON RAYO CASTILLO, Exact criminal charges: being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, City and state: NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA, Exact date: March 10, 2024, Sentence or outcome: up to 15 years imprisonment, fine of up to $250,000, and supervised release.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edla/pr/costa-rican-national-pleads-guilty-firearm-possession