http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?news ... 7937&rfi=6

06/02/2006
ILLEGAL ALIEN PLEADS ON WEAPONS CHARGE
STAFF

A Mexican citizen pleaded guilty in federal court Friday to being an illegal alien in possession of firearms.

David Andres Duran-Beltran, 30, admitted that he possessed a small amount of methamphetamine and marijuana, as well as a 12-gauge, pistol-grip shotgun and a .22-caliber revolver with an obliterated serial number and scales on Jan. 11 in Smith County.

He faces up to 10 years in prison for possessing a firearm while in the United States illegally.

The U.S. public defender said Duran-Beltran's sentencing guideline range will be enhanced for the small amount of meth found inside his home. He said because of the plea-agreement, a pending state charge of possessing the meth will be dismissed.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Allen Hurst said the government intends to seek forfeiture of the weapons.

After the hearing in U.S. Magistrate Judge John Love's court, Duran-Beltran's wife and young daughter cried as they waved goodbye to the defendant as he was led out of the courtroom by U.S. marshals.