Illegal Alien from Honduras Pleads Guilty to Possession of a Firearm

According to court documents, on February 26, 2023, the Kenner Police Department investigated a shooting in Kenner, Louisiana.  Based on investigative leads, they identified VARGAS-REYES as a potential suspect.  During the investigation, Kenner Police Detectives obtained a search warrant for VARGAS-REYES's residence.  As a result of the search warrant, officers found a Hi-Point, 9 mm pistol and several rounds of 9 mm ammunition at VARGAS-REYES's residence.  Additionally, investigators discovered that VARGAS-REYES is an illegal alien and therefore prohibited from possessing a firearm.  Following the search of his apartment, VARGAS-REYES admitted to being an illegal alien and to possessing the pistol.

If convicted, REYES faces a maximum term of imprisonment of 15 years, a fine of up to $250,000, and up to 3 years of supervised release.  VARGAS-REYES must also pay a mandatory special assessment fee of $100.  Sentencing is currently scheduled for January 10, 2024.

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 the United States Department of Homeland Security.  Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is in charge of the prosecution.