Yakima, Washington – A federal court sentenced Damian Iniguez, 31, to 75 months in prison for possessing a firearm as a felon. United States District Judge Mary K. Dimke also imposed three years of supervised release on Iniguez, a Yakima resident.
The sentencing stems from an incident on September 8, 2023, when a Zillah Police Officer noticed a vehicle, with its engine running, parked at a gas station for two hours. The officer found Iniguez slumped over in the driver's seat, with the gear shift in “drive” and his foot on the brake. Upon waking, Iniguez did not comply with the officer's commands to park the vehicle.
After his arrest, the police discovered a loaded Glock .40 caliber semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine in Iniguez’s sweatshirt pocket. Further investigation revealed that the firearm was reported stolen from Oregon in 2021. Iniguez had a prior conviction which prohibited him from possessing firearms.
Acting U.S. Attorney Richard R. Barker remarked, “The unlawful possession of firearms by convicted felons poses a threat to the safety of our communities.” He emphasized the importance of collaboration with local and federal law enforcement in seizing firearms from individuals barred from owning them. Barker stated, “We will continue to pursue accountability for those who disregard federal firearm laws and endanger public safety.”
Jonathan Blais, ATF Seattle Special Agent in Charge, commented on the case, “Felons know they should not possess firearms. Yet, Mr. Iniguez chose to possess a firearm – a stolen one, even worse. This sentence should serve to show that ATF will investigate, and the U.S. Attorney will prosecute, those who violate federal firearms laws in Washington.”
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives, along with the Zillah Police Department, conducted the investigation, while Assistant United States Attorneys Benjamin D. Seal and Courtney R. Pratten prosecuted the case.