Ramiro Ortiz Perez, Firearms Violations, Texas 2021

TYLER, Texas - A Mexican national has been sentenced to federal prison for federal firearms violations in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei today. Ramiro Ortiz Perez, 35, pleaded guilty to being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm and was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison on January 7, 2021, by U.S. District Judge Jeremy Kernodle.

According to information presented in court, on July 3, 2020, Ortiz Perez possessed a pistol in Tyler. At the time he possessed the pistol, he was illegally and unlawfully in the United States, having entered and remained in the country without proper authority. Ortiz Perez knew that he was in the United States illegally and admitted that he possessed the pistol in furtherance of his drug trafficking activities.

This case is a stark reminder that possession of firearms by those not legally permitted to possess them, especially in connection with illegal narcotics trafficking, is a direct threat to the safety of our communities. The investigation by Homeland Security Investigations highlights the dangers of unchecked firearm possession and the need for law enforcement to remain vigilant in protecting our communities.

The case was prosecuted as part of the Project Safe Neighborhoods Initiative, a program aimed at reducing gun and gang violence, deterring illegal possession of guns, ammunition, and body armor, and improving the safety of residents in the Eastern District of Texas. The initiative involves community members and organizations as well as federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies.

Ramiro Ortiz Perez, whose exact address was not provided, is now serving his 30-month sentence in federal prison. The charges against him include being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm, a federal crime that carries severe penalties.

As the Grimy Times continues to investigate this case, it is clear that the dangers of firearm possession by those not legally permitted to do so are real and ongoing. We will continue to follow this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edtx/pr/mexican-national-sentenced-federal-firearms-violations