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Press Release

Pueblo Gang Member Sentenced To Serve 12 Years in Federal Prison For Being A Felon In Possession Of A Firearm And Possession Of A Firearm During A Drug Trafficking Crime

For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado

DENVER – United States Attorney Jason R. Dunn today announced that Joseph Jordan Carrillo, age 28, of Pueblo, was sentenced to serve a total of 12 years (144 months) in federal prison followed by 3 years on supervised release for being a felon in possession of a firearm and possession of a firearm during a drug trafficking crime.  Carrillo, a member of the South Side Surenos street gang, appeared at the hearing remotely in custody.  He was remanded at the hearing’s conclusion.  The Denver Field Division of the ATF joined in today’s announcement.

According to the stipulated facts contained in his plea agreement, as well as other court documents and arguments made in court, Carrillo was a fugitive on the FBI Safe Streets Most Wanted list and had an active warrant for his arrest for a parole violation.  On October 11, 2019, Pueblo Police Department officers located and approached Carrillo in his vehicle.  Carrillo then attempted to flee on foot and was subsequently caught and taken into custody.  Officers found in his possession $1916 in cash and a drug ledger.  During a search of the vehicle, officers also found a black bag on the driver’s seat containing $1000 cash, approximately 31.6 grams of heroin, and a loaded revolver.  Law enforcement then obtained a search warrant for Carrillo’s residence.  Inside his bedroom, officers located seven additional firearms, approximately 73.4 grams of heroin, and an additional $14,563 in cash. 

In total, Carrillo possessed a total of 102.58 grams of heroin, which he intended to distribute.  Along with the heroin, Carrillo possessed a total of eight firearms and ammunition.  At least four of those firearms were previously reported stolen.  He was prohibited to possess the firearms and ammunition because of a prior felony conviction. 

He was sentenced to serve 84 months in federal prison for being a felon in possession of a firearm and 60 months for possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  The sentences were ordered to run consecutive. 

“Over the last few years we have made a concerted effort to crack down on criminal gang activity in Pueblo,” said U.S. Attorney Jason Dunn.  “Removing this felon and his arsenal of guns and drugs from the community will no doubt have a lasting impact.  Great work by the Pueblo Police Department, the ATF, and prosecutors in my office.” 

“Joseph Carrillo violated Federal firearms laws and brought dangerous drugs into our community – neither of which will be tolerated.” said David Booth, ATF Denver Field Division Special Agent in Charge.  “As always, ATF is proud to work with our law enforcement partners to remove violent offenders from our streets and protect our communities.”

Carrillo was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Thomas Minser and Kelly Churnet.  The sentence was pronounced by U.S. District Court Judge R. Brooke Jackson.  The case was investigated by the Denver Field Division of the ATF and the Pueblo Police Department.

A copy of this press release is located on the website of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Colorado.  Related court documents can be found on PACER.  The defendant’s case number is 19-cr-505. 

This case was part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. The Department of Justice reinvigorated PSN in 2017 as part of the Department’s renewed focus on targeting violent criminals, directing all U.S. Attorney’s Offices to work in partnership with federal, state, local, and tribal law enforcement and the local community to develop effective, locally-based strategies to reduce violent crime.

The year 2020 marks the 150th anniversary of the Department of Justice.  Learn more about the history of our agency at www.Justice.gov/Celebrating150Years.

Contact

Jeff Dorschner
Spokesman, Public Affairs Officer
U.S. Attorney's Office, District of Colorado
303-454-0243 direct; 303-489-2047 cell

Updated November 6, 2020

Topic
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Press Release Number: Case number is 19-cr-505