Published September 18, 2009 10:00 am - Sept. 18, 2009

Second illegal alien sentenced for firearms


By BOB GIBBINS



MUSKOGEE – A second illegal alien from the area has pleaded guilty to a federal firearms charge.


Alejandro Perez Padron, 27, entered his plea to possession of a firearm by an alien illegally or unlawfully in the U.S. before U.S. Magistrate Steven Schreder.

Padron, also known as William A. Vellasquez, was charged after an investigation by Sequoyah County sheriff’s deputies and the U.S. Department of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement.

An indictment alleged that Padron had a loaded .40-caliber pistol tucked in his waistband and 24 rounds of .40-caliber ammunition in his pocket June 6 when officers served a search warrant.

Illegal aliens are prohibited from possessing firearms or ammunition, said U.S. Attorney Sheldon Sperling.

Shreder accepted the guilty plea and ordered a pre-sentence investigation. He remains in federal custody pending sentencing.

Sperling said the statutory range of punishment is not more than 10 years and/or up to $250,000 in fines. A preliminary calculation of the sentencing guidelines projects an advisory sentencing range of 12-18 months in prison.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Edward Snow prosecuted the case.



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