A Laotian national residing unlawfully in Somersworth has been arrested for firearm possession as a convicted felon and illegal alien, according to Acting U.S. Attorney Jay McCormack.
Vongpasith Khamvongsa, 45, was indicted on charges related to his status as an illegal alien and a felon in possession of a firearm. He made an appearance in federal court today.
The relevant statute prescribes a maximum sentence of 15 years imprisonment, up to three years of supervised release, and a fine that could reach $250,000. Sentencing will be determined by a federal district court judge following the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and applicable statutes.
The investigation was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms alongside the Somersworth Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alexander S. Chen is handling the prosecution.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America, which utilizes resources from the Department of Justice to combat illegal immigration and dismantle cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), aiming to protect communities from violent crime. The operation coordinates efforts through the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
It is important to note that all details within the charging documents are allegations at this stage. The defendant remains presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
