Acting United States Attorney Michael M. Simpson announced that Edgar Yovani Perez-Gutierrez, 27, from El Salvador, was indicted for possessing a firearm while being unlawfully present in the United States. The charge stems from an incident on April 10, 2025, when law enforcement officers, including the New Orleans Police Department and federal agents, discovered him carrying a Glock handgun.
If found guilty, Perez-Gutierrez could face up to 15 years in prison, a fine reaching $250,000, three years of supervised release, and a $100 special assessment fee. Acting U.S. Attorney Simpson emphasized that an indictment is only a charge, and the individual’s guilt must be confirmed in court.
Simpson acknowledged the collaborative effort by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement - Enforcement and Removal Operations, the FBI, and the New Orleans Police in addressing this case. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is overseeing the prosecution.
This case is associated with Operation Take Back America, a comprehensive program by the Department of Justice aiming to combat illegal immigration, dismantle cartel operations, and abolish transnational criminal organizations.