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Press Release

Venezuelan Citizen Arrested and Charged with Possession of a Firearm by an Illegal Alien

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

NASHVILLE – Elmer Humberto Aparicio Castillo, 28, of Nashville, Tennessee, was charged yesterday with unlawful possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, announced Acting United States Attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee Robert E. McGuire. Aparicio Castillo is a citizen of Venezuela who is unlawfully present in the United States with a criminal history related to immigration offenses.

“This prosecution demonstrates our continued commitment to enforcing the law, especially against those who are prohibited from carrying firearms,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Robert E. McGuire.

According to court documents, on January 8, 2025, federal agents with Homeland Security Investigations (“HSI”) Nashville and other law enforcement officers executed a federal search warrant at 2334 Hobson Pike in Antioch, Tennessee. As the agents approached the house to execute the search warrant, five male occupants, including Aparicio Castillo, fled on foot from the back of the residence. All were caught. Following his arrest, officers conducting a safety sweep recovered a Glock 23, Gen 4 .40 caliber pistol with an extended magazine with a maximum capacity of 31 rounds which was loaded with 19 9mm rounds. After waiving his Miranda rights, Aparicio Castillo admitted that the pistol had been in his possession and that he had thrown it away as he ran from the house.

This case is being investigated by Homeland Security Investigations and the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Rachel M. Stephens is prosecuting the case.

A complaint is merely an accusation. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

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Contact

Mark H. Wildasin

Public Affairs Officer

Mark.Wildasin@usdoj.gov

(615) 736-2079

Updated January 24, 2025

Topic
Firearms Offenses