FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE	CONTACT: Lauren Horwood
April 19, 2012	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 Jose Lopez, 55, of Fresno, California with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

            This case is the product of an investigation by the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Huron Police Department, and is being investigated and prosecuted as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  PSN is an initiative under which local, state and federal law enforcement agencies join forces to combat gang and gun violence.

            The indictment alleges that on October 28, 2011, Lopez was in possession of a .22 caliber Sturm Ruger and Company Bearcat revolver.  Further, the indictment alleges that Lopez is an illegal alien unlawfully present in the United States.  According to court documents, the firearm that Lopez is charged with possessing was used in a shooting in Huron.  However, there is no allegation that Lopez was involved in that shooting.

            The maximum statutory penalty for each count is 10 years imprisonment 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 defendants are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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