I.C.E. News Release

August 02, 2010

Illegal alien in Kentucky charged with possessing a firearm

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - A local man was indicted by a federal grand jury Monday for being an illegal alien in possession of a semi-automatic pistol and ammunition. The charges resulted from an investigation conducted by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Office of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Mario Sanchez-Patino, 42, of Willisburg, Ky., was indicted Aug. 2 in the Western District of Kentucky for illegally entering the United States and possessing a firearm while unlawfully in the United States.

According to the indictment, on Dec.15, 2009, Sanchez-Patino, an illegal alien, possessed a Hi-Point 9-millimeter semi-automatic pistol and 9-millimeter ammunition.

The indictment further alleges that Sanchez-Patino illegally entered the United States in May 2008.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Thomas W. Dyke, Western District of Kentucky, is prosecuting the case. In the event of a conviction, the maximum potential penalties are 10 years and six months imprisonment, a $255,000 fine, and supervised release for a period of three years.

ICE was assisted in the investigation by the Washington County Sheriff's Office and the Louisville Field Office of ATF.

-- ICE --

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is the largest investigative arm of the Department of Homeland Security.

ICE is a 21st century law enforcement agency with broad responsibilities for a number of key homeland security priorities. For more information, visit www.ICE.gov. To report suspicious activity, call 1-866-347-2423.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 3, 2010
U.S. Department of Homeland Security

http://www.ice.gov/pi/nr/1008/100802louisville.htm