LAFAYETTE, La. - United States Attorney David C. Joseph announced today that an illegal alien from Honduras was indicted on multiple firearms violations and illegally re-entering the country.
Selvin Ponce-Hernandez, 27, of Honduras, was indicted on one count of illegal re-entry of a removed alien, possession of a firearm by a prohibited felon, and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien. According to the indictment, Ponce-Hernandez was arrested on August 9, 2018 in Lafayette Parish. Law enforcement agents found that he was from Honduras and had previously been deported. He was also in possession of a Bersa Thunder.380 Deluxe pistol and ammunition. A review of his criminal record showed that he was also a convicted felon.
Ponce-Hernandez faces up to 10 years in prison for the illegal re-entry count, 10 years in prison for the possession of firearm by a prohibited felon count, and 10 years in prison for the possession of firearm by an illegal alien. He also faces three years of supervised release, a $250,000 fine, and possible deportation.
Homeland Security Investigations, the ATF and the Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office investigated the case. Assistant U.S. Attorney David J. Ayo is prosecuting the case.
An indictment is merely an accusation and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
