FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Monday, December 3, 2012

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. Many of the PSN cases involve gang members carrying firearms for protection against rival gang members. United States Attorney Benjamin B. Wagner announces the following actions in federal PSN cases.

Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On Monday, December 03, 2012, Jaime Vega, 35, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a semi-automatic 9 mm Smith and Wesson handgun. According to court documents, on August 25, 2011, he ran from police after a traffic stop. When officers chased Vega, they saw a silver object fall to the ground that turned out to be a stolen, loaded handgun. Vega has prior felony convictions for possession of marijuana for sale, burglary, and domestic violence. Sentencing is set for February 25, 2013. (1:11-CR-318 AWI)

Visalia Man Sentenced for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On Monday, December 03, 2012, U.S. District Judge Lawrence J. O’Neill sentenced Homero Borja, 22, to three years and three months in prison. Judge O’Neill noted Borja’s Sureño gang membership as a factor enhancing the dangerousness of possessing the firearm. According to court documents, on April 25, 2012, Borja had a Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun in his bedroom. He had a prior felony conviction for child cruelty, manufacture or possession of a dangerous weapon, and sex with a minor three or more years younger than the defendant.
(1:12-CR-162 AWI)

Fresno Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm and Possession with Intent to Distribute Marijuana
The November 29, 2012 indictment charges that on October 13, 2012, Michael Angel Espinoza, 30, possessed two .25-caliber Raven handguns and a .22 LR caliber Beretta handgun as well as marijuana possessed for distribution.  The indictment further alleges that the defendant has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, receiving stolen property, burglary and false checks. (1:12-cr-417-LJO)

Fresno Man Indicted for Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On November 29, 2012, a grand jury returned an indictment charging that on November 11, 2012, Enedino Diaz Ornelas, 34, was in possession of a Glock .40-caliber, semi-automatic handgun. The indictment alleges that Ornelas has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a controlled substance while armed.
(1:12-cr-416-AWI)

Sanger Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On November 13, 2012, Vincent Cruz-Maestas, 32, pleaded guilty to possessing a short-barreled .22-caliber Marlin Model 60 rifle. He has a prior felony conviction for carrying a dirk and dagger. Sentencing is set for February 4, 2013. (1-12-cr-294-AWI)

Fresno Man Pleads Guilty to Being a Felon in Possession of a Firearm
On November 5, 2012, Reggie Thompson, 49, pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm. On December 12, 2010, he was the subject of a traffic stop and found to be in possession of a .380-caliber pistol. He was within 1000 feet of two schools: Homan Elementary School and Our Lady of Victory Elementary School. He had felony convictions for robbery and domestic violence. Sentencing is set for January 14, 2013. (1:11-cr-022-AWI)

Assistant U.S. Attorney Kimberly A. Sanchez is prosecuting the cases listed above.

Fresno Felon Indicted for Possession of an Unregistered Firearm
On November 29, 2012, a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging Corbin James Kennedy, 31, of being a felon in possession of a firearm and possessing a firearm not registered in the National Firearms Registry. The indictment alleges that on October 19, 2012, Kennedy possessed a Winchester 20-gauge shotgun with a sawed off barrel. He has prior felony convictions for possession of a controlled substance, burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempted grand theft, and possession of a controlled substance in prison. Assistant U.S. Attorney is Melanie L. Alsworth prosecuting the case. (1:12-cr-414-LJO)

These cases are the product of investigations by federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Police Departments of Sanger and Fresno, the California Highway Patrol, Tulare County Agencies Regional Gang Enforcement Team (TARGET), and the Madera Police Department Gang Unit.

Unless otherwise noted, 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 charges against Ornelas, Espinoza and Kennedy are only allegations. They are presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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