Gang member sentenced to federal prison for possessing drugs and a firearm while on probation

ATLANTA - Enrique Fuentes has been sentenced for possessing with the intent to distribute methamphetamine and possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.  Fuentes is a member of the “18^th Street” gang.

“This gang member, while on probation, sat outside of a restaurant in broad daylight with a gun as well as methamphetamine packaged for sale,” said U.S. Attorney Byung J. “BJay” Pak.  “Fuentes will be off our streets as a result of the outstanding efforts of the Chamblee Police Department and Homeland Security Investigations.  We are strategically and aggressively working to make our communities safer and this case is another example of the positive impact of Project Safe Neighborhoods.”

“HSI is committed to combatting transnational gang members who threaten public safety with criminal activities in our neighborhoods,” said Nick S. Annan, Special Agent in Charge of HSI Atlanta.  “Violent street gangs and their transnational contacts are a priority focus for HSI and this case illustrates the importance of collaborative relationships between HSI and local law enforcement across Georgia to keep our communities safe.”

“We are very appreciative of the outstanding partnership between state, local, and federal agencies which has proven to be effective in keeping our communities safe. In this case, it has taken a dangerous gang member and drug dealer off the streets. The successful prosecution of cases like this reduces crime and the fear of crime in our communities,” said Assistant Chief of Police Michael Beller, Chamblee Police Department.                                                   

According to U.S. Attorney Pak, the charges and other information presented in court:  On the morning of April 25, 2018, officers with the Chamblee Police Department were on patrol when they observed Fuentes and a female sitting in front of a restaurant.  One of the officers then witnessed him hand something to the female, so they approached and discovered that both Fuentes and the female had been smoking marijuana.  The officers then learned that Fuentes had an outstanding warrant for a probation violation.  

After Fuentes was secured, officers searched a brown paper bag next to him and found 11 smaller plastic baggies, each containing methamphetamine, which weighed a total of 289 grams.  In addition to the drugs, officers found inside of the bag a .38 caliber revolver and a small scale used for weighing narcotics for distribution and sale.  At the time he possessed these narcotics and firearm, Fuentes was on probation for a 2016 felony conviction.

Enrique Fuentes, a/k/a Grumpy, 32, of Chamblee, Georgia, was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Mark H. Cohen to eight years, eight months in prison to be followed by three years of supervised release.  Fuentes was convicted on these charges on February 7, 2019, after he pleaded guilty.

This case was investigated by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations and the Chamblee Police Department.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael Herskowitz, Chief of the Cyber and Intellectual Property Crime Section, prosecuted the case.

This case was brought as part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN).  In keeping with the Attorney General’s mission to reduce violent crime, the Northern District of Georgia’s PSN program focuses on prosecuting those individuals who most significantly drive violence in our communities, and supports and fosters partnerships between law enforcement and schools, the faith community, and local community leaders to prevent and deter future criminal conduct.

For further information please contact the U.S. Attorney’s Public Affairs Office at USAGAN.PressEmails@usdoj.gov or (404) 581-6016.  The Internet address for the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia is http://www.justice.gov/usao-ndga.