Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson has made the announcement regarding the indictment of Juan Josue Cuevar-Alvarado, a 20-year-old Honduran citizen, currently residing in the United States without proper documentation. The indictment, filed on April 24, 2025, in New Orleans, accuses Cuevar-Alvarado of three charges.
Cuevar-Alvarado is charged with being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm, which violates Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5)(A) (Count 1). He is also charged with possession with the intent to distribute controlled substances, contravening 21, United States Code, Sections 841(a)(1), 841(b)(1)(C), and 841(b)(1)(D) (Count 2), and possession of a firearm furthering a drug trafficking crime, violating 18, United States Code, Section 924(c)(1)(A)(i) (Count 3).
The indictment specifies that on or about September 15, 2023, Cuevar-Alvarado was found unlawfully in possession of a .22 caliber revolver, a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol, and a quantity of marijuana.
For Count 1, Cuevar-Alvarado faces potential sentencing of up to 15 years in prison, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000. Count 2 carries a potential prison sentence of up to five years, along with three years of supervised release, and a similar fine. Count 3 includes a mandatory five-year prison term to be served consecutively to any other sentence, three years of supervised release, and up to a $250,000 fine. There is also a mandatory special assessment fee of $100 for each count, and he may face deportation to Honduras post any served prison sentence.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson expressed appreciation for the efforts of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in the investigation. The prosecution is being managed by Assistant United States Attorneys Spiro G. Latsis and Paul J. Hubbell from the General Crimes Unit.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a national initiative by the Department of Justice aimed at addressing illegal immigration, dismantling cartels, and protecting communities from violent crime by coordinating efforts through the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.
