Project Safe Neighborhoods News
The Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN) initiative brings together federal, state and local law enforcement to combat gun and gang crime. At the core of PSN is increased federal prosecution to incapacitate chronic violent offenders as well as to communicate a credible deterrent threat to potential gun offenders. United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announces the following actions in federal PSN cases.
These cases are the product of investigations by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the ATF, the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Tulare County Agencies Regional Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET), the Stanislaus County District Attorney's Office, the Modesto Police Department, and the Fresno Police Department.
Visalia Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Homero Borja, 22, pleaded guilty today to possessing a Mossberg 12 gauge shotgun on April 25, 2012. He has a prior felony conviction for child cruelty, manufacture or possession of a dangerous weapon, and sex with a minor three or more years younger. Sentencing is scheduled for December 3, 2012 by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. Docket # 1:12-cr-162 AWI.
Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
Cory McDonald, 28, pleaded guilty today to possessing a Sig Sauer P220 semi-automatic pistol and a Smith and Wesson SW40V semi-automatic pistol on March 28, 2012. He has a prior felony conviction for robbery. Sentencing is scheduled for December 17, 2012 by United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii. Docket # 1:12-cr-099 AWI.
Fresno Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced Michael Johnson, 36, to two and a half years in prison, for being a felon in possession of a firearm. According to court documents, on November 4, 2011, Johnson was in possession of ammunition after having been convicted of felony infliction of corporal injury on a spouse or cohabitant and possession of methamphetamine for sale. Docket # 1:12-cr-021 AWI
Modesto Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On September 20, 2012, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Edgar Corral Gonzalez, 29, with one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm. The indictment alleges that on September 4, 2012, Gonzalez was in possession of a Ruger, model P95DC 9 mm pistol. He has prior felony convictions for carrying a concealed weapon, receiving stolen property, being a felon in possession of a firearm, controlled substance offenses, battery by a prisoner, and evading a peace officer. Docket # 1:12-cr-324-LJO
Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the cases.
The maximum statutory penalty for being a felon in possession of a firearm is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentences, however, will be determined at the discretion of the court after consideration of any applicable statutory factors and the Federal Sentencing Guidelines, which take into account a number of variables. The allegations in the indictment are mere accusations and all persons are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
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