FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
June 30, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced that a federal grand jury returned an indictment today charging Craig Mathias Katerinos, 19, of Clovis, with possessing a firearm that had not been registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record.

            This case is the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Clovis Police Department. The investigation and prosecution are part of Project SAFE Neighborhoods, a cooperative effort of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies aimed at combating firearms and violent crimes. United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the case.

            According to court documents, on June 27, 2011, Katerinos was in possession of a sawed-off shotgun, a pistol, marijuana, a wig, handcuffs, brass knuckles, and a Taser. Federal law requires that shotguns with barrel lengths less than 18 inches be registered in the National Firearms Registration and Transfer Record maintained by ATF. The sawed-off shotgun had a barrel length less than 18 inches and was not registered.

            If convicted, Katerinos faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. The actual sentence, 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 charges are only allegations and the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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