Xuemei Zhao, Firearm Possession, Utah 2024

Xuemei Zhao, a 54-year-old Chinese national residing in the United States illegally, has been sentenced to time served after attempting to smuggle an undeclared firearm and ammunition at Provo Airport in Utah.

According to a Department of Justice press release, Zhao was charged with attempting to transport an undeclared .357 Magnum revolver and ammunition through a commercial airport, in this case, Provo Airport.

On [date], Zhao attempted to check a suitcase containing the firearm and ammunition, but was stopped by airport security. An investigation revealed that Zhao was residing in the United States illegally, further aggravating the seriousness of the offense.

“This sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can smuggle firearms and ammunition through our airports,” said a DOJ spokesperson. “The safety of our citizens is our top priority, and we will not hesitate to prosecute those who put it at risk.”

Zhao’s sentence was handed down by a federal judge in Utah, who deemed that she had served sufficient time in custody while awaiting trial. As a result, Zhao was sentenced to time served, which is estimated to be approximately one year.

The case is a stark reminder of the importance of airport security and the consequences of attempting to smuggle firearms and ammunition through commercial airports. Zhao’s sentence should serve as a warning to anyone who thinks they can skirt the law and put the safety of others at risk.

The Department of Justice will continue to prioritize the safety of our citizens and the integrity of our airports, and will aggressively prosecute those who attempt to smuggle firearms and ammunition through our airports.

MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS

Violent Crime

Derek Brown, Violent Crime, Maryland 2008

Jan 25, 2008

Violent Crime

Buffalo Man Gets 20 Years for Gunfire in Heroin, New York, 2024

Sep 9, 2021

Violent Crime

Torres Arevalo, Firearms Offense, Georgia 2002

Jan 15, 2002

Violent Crime

Alabama 1973: Crime Rates Skyrocket Amid Social Turmoil

Jul 1, 1973