United States Attorney David I. Courcelle announced on Apr. 3 that Frander Ulises Espinoza-Rugama, a 29-year-old native of Nicaragua, pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm before U.S. District Judge Brandon S. Long.
The case highlights ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to address gun violence and enforce immigration laws.
According to court documents, Espinoza-Rugama was found with a Smith & Wesson nine-millimeter handgun on or about June 30, 2024, while unlawfully present in the United States. He was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers for violating immigration laws.
Espinoza-Rugama faces up to ten years in prison, a fine of up to $250,000, up to three years of supervised release, and a $100 mandatory special assessment fee at sentencing scheduled for April 10, 2025.
This prosecution is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), which brings together law enforcement and communities to reduce violent crime and gun violence. The Department of Justice launched an updated violent crime reduction strategy for PSN on May 26, 2021 based on fostering trust in communities and supporting organizations that help prevent violence from occurring.
Courcelle praised the work of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement – Enforcement and Removal Operations as well as the Kenner Police Department for their roles in investigating the matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis is handling the prosecution.
