A Honduran national, Mainor Fuentes-Pineda, has been indicted for possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, as announced by Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson in New Orleans. The indictment was issued on June 26, 2025.
Fuentes-Pineda, aged 22 and originally from Honduras, was reportedly found with a Glock Model 42 semi-automatic pistol in Orleans Parish around April 29, 2025. The charge falls under Title 18, United States Code, Section 922(g)(5).
If convicted, Fuentes-Pineda could face up to fifteen years in prison. Additionally, he may be fined up to $250,000 and subjected to three years of supervised release and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee.
Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that an indictment is only a charge and that the defendant's guilt must be established beyond a reasonable doubt.
This case is part of Operation Take Back America. This nationwide initiative uses the Department of Justice's resources to address illegal immigration issues and combat cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs). The operation integrates efforts from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
Simpson acknowledged the contribution of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in the investigation. Special Assistant United States Attorney Frederick W. Veters Jr., from the General Crimes Unit, is managing the prosecution.
