Memphis, TN - A man charged in state court with fatally shooting his minor son was indicted on federal charges of illegally re-entering the United States after removal and unlawful possession of a firearm by a prohibited person. U.S. Attorney D. Michael Dunavant announced the indictment today.
According to the two-count federal indictment, on Sept. 30, 2018, Argel Hernandez-Escobar, 32, was found to be unlawfully in the United States after deportation in violation of 8 U.S.C. 1326(a), and unlawfully possessed a Romarm-Cugir, Model Mini Draco, 7.62X39mm caliber pistol as a prohibited person, in violation of 18 U.S.C. 922(g)(5). Hernandez-Escobar also has pending state charges in Shelby County Criminal Court for reckless homicide and aggravated child abuse.
If convicted, Hernandez-Escobar faces up to ten years imprisonment and a $250,000 fine.
The case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security-Border Enforcement Security Task Force, in conjunction with the Memphis Police Department.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Stephen Hall is prosecuting this case on behalf of the government.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is considered innocent unless and until proven guilty.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
