Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson has announced the sentencing of Daniel Ignacio Mejia-Castillo, a 32-year-old Honduran national, to 144 months in prison. Mejia-Castillo previously pleaded guilty to possessing a firearm as an illegal alien in violation of federal law, specifically Title 18, United States Code, Sections 922(g)(5)(A) and 924(a)(8). The sentencing was handed down by U.S. District Judge Nannette Jolivette Brown.
The case stems from an armed robbery that took place on the night of February 8, 2022, at El Milagro Church in New Orleans. Officers from the New Orleans Police Department responded to the scene and found Mejia crouching in tall grass near the 2500 block of St. Louis Street. Authorities discovered that Mejia, who is from Honduras, was carrying a Kel-Tec Model PF-9 nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol. He was immediately detained.
This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), an initiative focused on reducing violent crime and gun violence. According to the Department of Justice, on May 26, 2021, the PSN strategy was strengthened with core principles that include fostering community trust, supporting community organizations that prevent violence, setting strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring results.
Simpson praised the investigative efforts of multiple agencies: the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Office of the Inspector General - Social Security Administration, and the New Orleans Police Department. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit is responsible for the prosecution of the case.