GANG MEMBER SENTENCED FOR GUN CRIME

Alex Ramirez, 26, of Nampa, Idaho, and an admitted member of the Norteno gang in Nampa, was sentenced to 55 months in federal prison for unlawful possession of a firearm, the United States Attorney’s Office announced. U.S. District Judge A. Wallace Tashima also ordered Ramirez to serve three years of supervised release after he completes his prison term.

Ramirez pled guilty to the charge in March 2009. During his plea, Ramirez admitted possessing a Ruger .45 semi-automatic pistol in December of 2007 and later transferring that firearm to a fellow member Norteno gang member. Where Ramirez had been previously convicted of the felony crimes of burglary and eluding a police officer, he was thereafter prohibited from possessing firearms under federal law. Ramirez also admitted selling methamphetamine and was subject to an increased penalty as a result.

Ramirez’s case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Nampa Police Department. His prosecution was part of Idaho’s Project Safe Neighborhoods Program, which seeks to reduce gun violence in Idaho. He was prosecuted by the Special Assistant U.S. Attorney hired by the Treasure Valley Partnership and the Idaho State Police.

The Treasure Valley Partnership is comprised of a group of elected officials in southeast Idaho dedicated to regional coordination, cooperation, and collaboration on creating coherent regional growth. For more information, visit www.treasurevalleypartners.org.