Evergreen Reporter

Acting U.S. Attorney Michael M. Simpson has disclosed that a Belizean national has been indicted on charges of being a felon in possession of a firearm. Lucinto Fuentes, 21, was arraigned on April 11, 2024, in New Orleans, Louisiana, following allegations of unlawful firearm possession. Fuentes has previously been convicted of a felony.

According to the case documents, Fuentes is accused of having a Taurus nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol in his possession on March 2, 2025. The firearm was noted to have been involved in interstate commerce.

An indictment serves as a procedural charge, and Attorney Simpson emphasized, “The indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Should Fuentes be found guilty, he might face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a compulsory special assessment fee of $100.

This case aligns with Project Safe Neighborhoods, a national initiative seeking to reduce violent crime, particularly gun-related offenses. The program's strategy, revamped in 2021, underscores community trust, support for violence prevention organizations, and the establishment of strategic enforcement measures.

The investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations and the Louisiana State Police. Assistant United States Attorney Paul J. Hubbell of the General Crimes Unit will manage the prosecution.