Selvin J. Tello-Perez, a 24-year-old citizen of Guatemala, was indicted by a federal grand jury on May 4 for illegal reentry after removal and possession of a firearm by an illegal alien, according to United States Attorney John P. Heekin for the Northern District of Florida.
Tello-Perez appeared before United States Magistrate Judge Zachary C. Bolitho in Pensacola for his arraignment. His jury trial is scheduled for June 15 at 8:30 am before District Court Judge T. Kent Wetherell II.
If convicted, Tello-Perez could face up to fifteen years in prison for the firearm charge and up to two years for illegal reentry. The investigation involved Homeland Security Investigations, U.S. Customs and Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office. Assistant United States Attorney Alicia H. Forbes is prosecuting the case.
Heekin said that “an indictment is merely an allegation by a grand jury that a defendant has committed a violation of federal criminal law and is not evidence of guilt.” He added: “All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the government’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.”
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, which aims to use Department of Justice resources against illegal immigration as well as cartels and transnational criminal organizations.
The U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida advances community safety and quality of life by upholding the rule of law and protecting civil rights across northern Florida according to the official website. The office operates from facilities in U.S. courthouses located in Tallahassee, Pensacola, and Gainesville according to its official website. It forms part of the United States Department of Justice according to its official website.
The office enforces federal laws including national security matters while securing public funds according to its official website. It covers twenty-three counties across northern Florida including Tallahassee as well as areas within the Panhandle according to its official website. Collaboration with other agencies occurs through initiatives such as Project Safe Childhood or via committees like Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee according to its official website.
The U.S. Attorney's Office prosecutes criminal violations on behalf of the United States while handling civil litigation throughout this region covering twenty-three counties according to its official website.
