U.S. Department
of Justice
Press Release
Belizean National Indicted for Felon in Possession of a Firearm
For Immediate Release
U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Louisiana
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that on April 11, 2024, LUCINTO FUENTES (“FUENTES”), age 21, a citizen of Belize, was indicted for being a felon in possession of a firearm, in violation of Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(1).
According to court documents, on March 2, 2025, FUENTES did knowingly possess a firearm, having previously been convicted of a felony. Specifically, FUENTES is accused of possessing a Taurus nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, said firearm having been in and affecting interstate commerce.
If convicted, FUENTES faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson reiterated that the indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is 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 gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.
The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.
Contact
Shane Jones
Community Outreach Coordinator
U.S. Attorney's Office
Eastern District of Louisiana
Updated April 17, 2025
Topics
Project Safe Neighborhoods
Firearms Offenses
Component