An Oxnard man with a lengthy criminal history was recently apprehended by members of the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force. Pedro Garcia, also known as “Maniac,” was indicted by a federal grand jury for the offense of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. As a known member of the Colonia Chiques street gang, Garcia had been convicted of several violations, including assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and evading a police officer. If found guilty, Garcia could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison. The case will be prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles.
Title
Oxnard Man Arrested for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Ammunition
Introduction
This article provides an overview of the recent arrest of Pedro Garcia, an Oxnard man with a lengthy criminal history, for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The arrest was made by the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force, and Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles.
Summary of the Arrest
Arrest of Pedro Garcia
Pedro Garcia, also known as “Maniac,” 27, was arrested by members of the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force for the crime of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The arrest took place in Oxnard, California.
Indictment by a Federal Grand Jury
Following his arrest, Pedro Garcia was indicted by a federal grand jury in Los Angeles. The indictment alleges that Garcia illegally possessed a .38 special revolver and ammunition due to his previous felony convictions.
Background of Pedro Garcia
Known Member of the Colonia Chiques Street Gang
Pedro Garcia is a known member of the Colonia Chiques street gang. His affiliation with this gang is a significant factor in the charges brought against him.
Charges Against Pedro Garcia
Illegal Possession of a .38 Special Revolver
Pedro Garcia was charged with the illegal possession of a .38 special revolver. This charge stems from his previous felony convictions, which prohibit him from possessing firearms.
Previous Felony Convictions
Garcia’s criminal history includes convictions for various violations of the California Penal Code and the Health and Safety Code. These convictions include assault with a deadly weapon, battery with criminal street gang activity, possession of a controlled substance with a firearm, and evading a police officer, among other offenses.
Penalties for Felons in Possession of Firearms
Unlawfulness of Possessing a Firearm or Ammunition for Convicted Felons
It is unlawful for individuals convicted of a felony to possess firearms or ammunition. This prohibition is in place to prevent potentially dangerous individuals from accessing weapons.
Statutory Maximum Sentence
If convicted, Pedro Garcia could face a statutory maximum sentence of 15 years in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition. The severity of the penalty reflects the seriousness of the offense.
Law Enforcement Agencies Involved
Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force
The arrest of Pedro Garcia was carried out by members of the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force. This task force is comprised of various law enforcement agencies working together to combat gang-related violence in Ventura County.
Agencies in the Task Force
The Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force includes the FBI, the Oxnard Police Department, the Ventura County Sheriff’s Department, and the Ventura Police Department. These agencies collaborate to investigate and apprehend individuals involved in gang-related criminal activities.
Prosecution of Pedro Garcia
United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles
The prosecution of Pedro Garcia will be handled by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles. This office is responsible for prosecuting federal crimes within its jurisdiction, including cases involving firearms and ammunition possession by felons.
Presumption of Innocence
Indictment does not Imply Guilt
It is important to remember that an indictment is merely an allegation and does not imply guilt. Pedro Garcia, like any other defendant, is entitled to the presumption of innocence until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
Defendants Presumed Innocent Until Proven Guilty
As a legal principle, defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. This presumption ensures that individuals accused of crimes receive a fair trial and that the burden of proof lies with the prosecution to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Conclusion
The arrest of Pedro Garcia highlights the efforts of the Ventura County Violent Gang Task Force in tackling gang-related crime in the region. The charges against Garcia for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition serve as a reminder of the legal consequences faced by individuals with previous felony convictions. The prosecution of Pedro Garcia by the United States Attorney’s Office in Los Angeles will determine his guilt or innocence in a court of law, with the presumption of innocence remaining until proven otherwise.