Nelson Geovany Pineda-Chacon, a 30-year-old native of Honduras residing in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania, has been indicted by a federal grand jury for possession of a firearm and ammunition as a prohibited person. This announcement was made by the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
Acting United States Attorney John Gurganus stated that the indictment claims Pineda-Chacon, who is allegedly an alien illegally or unlawfully present in the United States, possessed a 9mm Beretta handgun and 9mm Luger ammunition on or about May 7, 2024, in Columbia County, Pennsylvania.
The investigation was conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO), with Assistant United States Attorney Tatum Wilson handling the prosecution.
This case falls under Operation Take Back America, an initiative aimed at combating illegal immigration and dismantling cartels and transnational criminal organizations to safeguard communities from violent crime. The operation integrates resources from the Department of Justice’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).
If convicted under federal law, Pineda-Chacon could face up to fifteen years in prison, supervised release after imprisonment, and a fine. Sentencing will be determined by the Judge based on federal sentencing statutes and guidelines.
It is important to note that indictments are merely allegations. All individuals charged are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
