Roberto Carlos Leon-Garcia, Firearm Charge, California 2018

Merced County Marijuana Cultivation Operation Leads to Firearm Charge

A massive marijuana cultivation operation in Merced County has led to a firearm charge against Roberto Carlos Leon-Garcia, a 49-year-old Mexican national. On November 5, 2018, Leon was encountered during the execution of a federal search warrant related to the marijuana grow in Dos Palos.

The search warrant was executed in connection with a marijuana cultivation operation. Leon stated he resided on the property, which was leased by someone else. Inside his residence, agents found a New England Westinghouse rifle, along with three 7.62 mm caliber rounds that Leon was not authorized to possess because he did not have lawful status in the United States.

Leon had previously been removed from the United States to Mexico on three occasions. This case highlights the risks associated with possessing firearms while being in the United States without lawful status.

The case was the product of an investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration with assistance from the Merced County Sheriff’s Office and the Chowchilla Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Karen Escobar prosecuted the case.

On [date], Leon was sentenced to 18 months in prison for being in possession of a firearm while being in the United States without lawful status. This sentence serves as a reminder of the consequences of engaging in such activities.

The exact date of the search warrant execution was November 5, 2018. This case serves as a warning to those who engage in similar activities. The defendant's full name is Roberto Carlos Leon-Garcia, a citizen of Mexico. The criminal charge was possession of a firearm while being in the United States without lawful status. The city and state involved were Dos Palos, California. The sentence was 18 months in prison.

Source: https://www.justice.gov/usao-edca/pr/mexican-national-found-massive-merced-county-marijuana-cultivation-operation-sentenced