FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
December 19, 2011	PHONE: (916) 554-2706
www.usdoj.gov/usao/cae	usacae.edcapress@usdoj.gov
Docket #: 1:11-cr-158-AWI

FRESNO, Calif. — United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announced today that the United States District Judge Anthony W. Ishii sentenced Michael Aguilar, 28, of Fresno, to four years and 10 months in prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm.

This case was the product of an investigation by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Fresno Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez prosecuted the case.

According to court documents, on March 31, 2011, Aguilar was driving an SUV with dark tinted windows in the "Sin City" area of Fresno that was blocking access to an alley at the Northwest corner of Silmar and Hedges. When officers initiated a traffic stop, they found a sawed-off double barrel Wards Hercules shotgun and three shotgun shells. Aguilar has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, attempted grand theft from a person, and for street terrorism. He is a self-admitted member of the McKenzie Street Bulldogs and has been in that criminal street gang for more than 14 years.

U.S. Attorney Wagner stated: "This case was prosecuted federally as a result of the Project Safe Neighborhoods initiative in the City of Fresno, in which federal, state and local law enforcement agencies team up with community organizations to assist gang members in choosing alternatives to violence. Those members who persist in violent behavior risk federal prosecution, including lengthy sentences."

####

 

Return to Top