Herbert D. Zeno, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Vancouver WA, 2013

Herbert D. Zeno, a 32-year-old Vancouver gang member, has been sentenced to ten years in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm. This sentence follows his conviction following a three-day jury trial in November 2013.

Zeno, a known Bloods gang affiliate, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail on January 31, 2013. U.S. Attorney Jenny A. Durkan announced the sentencing, which also includes three years of supervised release.

During his trial, testimony revealed that on the day of his arrest, Zeno attempted to have his girlfriend hide a firearm he had left in his car. A subsequent search warrant at both Zeno’s and a relative’s home uncovered the firearm hidden under a dresser. Zeno has eight prior felony convictions, including drug possession and robbery, and five convictions for domestic violence.

U.S. District Judge Ronald B. Leighton cited Zeno’s pattern of crime, gun possession, abuse, and exploitation during sentencing. “You are a walking, talking crime wave,” Leighton said. “You are a bully and a predator.”

Prosecutors argued that the sentence was necessary to protect the community from Zeno, who has been convicted four times for unlawful firearm possession. “It is dangerous for any felon to possess a gun, but when the felon is a man like Zeno – a gang member with a history of brutal violence – it is simply terrifying,” prosecutors stated.

The case was investigated by the FBI’s Safe Streets Gang Task Force, which includes officers from the Vancouver Police Department and Clark County Sheriff’s Office. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms & Explosives (ATF) also assisted in the investigation. Assistant United States Attorneys Michael Dion and Thomas Bates prosecuted the case.