Illegal Alien Sentenced to Two Years in Prison for Gun Crime

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – An illegal alien has been sentenced for illegal possession of a firearm, announced U.S. Attorney Prim F. Escalona and Homeland Security Investigations Atlanta Special Agent in Charge Steven N. Schrank.

U.S. District Court Judge Madeline H. Haikala sentenced Joel Armando Martin-Martin, 24, of Guatemala, to 24 months in prison. In November 2024, Martin-Martin pleaded guilty to being an illegal alien in possession of a firearm.

According to court documents, on August 5, 2024, a Homewood Police Department officer conducted a traffic stop on Martin-Martin. The officer smelled marijuana and asked Martin-Martin to exit the vehicle.  A search of the vehicle revealed a loaded DTI AR-style rifle, 11 magazines fitted for the rifle, ammunition, a loaded Springfield 9mm magazine, and 3 spent shell casings.

HSI investigated the case along with the Homewood Police Department. Assistant U.S. Attorney John Camp prosecuted the case.