February 26, 2009

TRINIDAD MAN INDICTED ON FEDERAL FIREARM CHARGES

DENVER – Julian Domingo Vigil, age 32, of Trinidad, Colorado, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Denver this week for federal firearm charges, Acting U.S. Attorney David Gaouette and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent in Charge Richard Chase announced.  Vigil was named in a four count indictment returned on February 24, 2009.  He is charged with illegally possessing 5 firearms, including a semi-automatic rifle.  Vigil is presently in state custody.  A writ will be issued to transfer the defendant from state to federal custody.

Count one of the indictment alleges that on October 27, 2008, Vigil possessed a HiPoint, Model CF, .380 caliber semi-automatic pistol; a Titan, Model FIE .25 caliber pistol; and a Phoenix Arms, Model Raven, .25 caliber semi-automatic pistol, having been previously convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year. 

Count two of the indictment alleges that on that same day, Vigil possessed the Titan pistol which had an obliterated serial number, in violation of federal law.

Count three alleges that on December 12, 2008, the defendant possessed a Remington, Model Wingmaster 870, 12 gauge shotgun, having been previously convicted of crimes punishable by a term of imprisonment exceeding one year.

Count four of the indictment states that on February 13, 2009, Vigil possessed a Wards Western Field, Model 87-SB-870, semi-automatic rifle, having been previously convicted of crimes punishable by imprisonment by a term exceeding one year.

It is a criminal violation of federal law for a convicted felon to possess firearms.

“The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF), along with the United States Attorney’s Office and the Trinidad Police Department, are committed to stopping armed drug dealers from wrecking havoc on this community,” said ATF Special Agent in Charge Richard Chase.

If convicted, counts one, three and four carry a penalty of not more than 10 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine per count.  If convicted of count two, the defendant faces not more than 5 years in federal prison, and up to a $250,000 fine.

This case was investigated by the Trinidad Police Department and the ATF.

Vigil is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kurt Bohn.

The charges contained in the indictment are allegations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

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