A federal grand jury in Bowling Green, Kentucky, has indicted a Honduran national for illegal re-entry into the United States and possession of a firearm. The indictment, announced by U.S. Attorney Michael A. Bennett of the Western District of Kentucky and other law enforcement officials, charges 38-year-old Alexis Pinto-Mejia with possessing a firearm on February 25, 2024, in Warren County, Kentucky. The indictment states that Pinto-Mejia was aware of his illegal status in the U.S.
Pinto-Mejia was also charged with re-entering the United States after being previously removed on two occasions, April 4, 2006, and July 6, 2016. The defendant had an initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge in the Western District of Kentucky. He was ordered detained pending trial. If found guilty, he faces a maximum 17-year prison sentence. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge considering sentencing guidelines and statutory factors.
The investigation of this case is conducted by Homeland Security Investigations Bowling Green, ATF Bowling Green, and ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations. Assistant U.S. Attorney Mark J. Yurchisin II is prosecuting.
This prosecution is part of Operation Take Back America, aiming to address illegal immigration, dismantle criminal organizations, and enhance community safety. It is part of a broader effort involving the Department's Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
The charges in an indictment are allegations. Defendants are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.
