A federal grand jury indicted Anthony Julian Ramirez, 32, of Sacramento, on May 1 for being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, U.S. Attorney Eric Grant said.
The case highlights the enforcement of federal laws aimed at keeping firearms out of the hands of those with felony convictions. According to court documents, Ramirez was a passenger in a car stopped by law enforcement officers on Jan. 14 for a traffic violation. During the stop, officers found that the driver had multiple outstanding arrest warrants and admitted to having drug paraphernalia in the vehicle. A search led officers to discover a loaded Springfield Armory Hellcat 9 mm handgun under Ramirez’s seat. When he was booked into jail after his arrest, deputies also found one round of 9 mm ammunition in his shoe.
Ramirez is prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition due to several prior felony convictions, including burglary, possession of a stolen vehicle, and five previous convictions for being a felon in possession of a firearm. The FBI and Sacramento County Sheriff’s Office conducted the investigation. Assistant U.S. Attorney James Conolly is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Ramirez faces up to 15 years in prison and a $250,000 fine; sentencing would be determined by the court based on statutory factors and federal Sentencing Guidelines. Grant said: "The charges are only allegations; the defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt." This prosecution falls under Operation Take Back America.
The U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California promotes community wellness by addressing justice issues across its diverse region according to its official website. The office maintains branches in Sacramento, Fresno and Bakersfield according to its official website, operates under the Department of Justice according to its official website, covers more than 87,000 square miles across 34 counties according to its official website, enforces federal laws through prosecutions and civil litigation according to its official website, extends from Oregon southward past Bakersfield eastward toward Nevada according to its official website, represents the government in all district litigation while maintaining offices throughout Central California according to its official website.
This indictment underscores ongoing efforts by federal authorities within this large jurisdiction—spanning urban centers as well as rural areas—to address gun-related crimes involving repeat offenders.
