Illegal Alien Sentenced for Unlawful Reentry into the United States and for Being a Convicted Alien Illegally Possessing a Firearm

Memphis, TN – Cecilio Gonzalez-Espino, 31, has been sentenced to 30 months in federal prison for unlawful reentry into the United States and for illegally possessing a firearm. Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph C. Murphy Jr., announced the sentence today.

According to information presented in court, on August 11, 2020, in Memphis, agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement located the defendant with a loaded firearm in his vehicle. On August 20, 2020 Gonzalez-Espino was indicted for being an alien in possession of a firearm and illegally reentering the United States after removal.

Gonzalez-Espino is a convicted felon, having previously been convicted of multiple felony methamphetamine charges in 2011 in California. As a result of his prior conviction and alien status, he is prohibited by federal law from possessing firearms or ammunition.

"HSI works to keep our communities safe by removing violent criminals and deadly weapons from our streets," said Jerry C. Templet, Jr, special agent in charge, HSI Nashville.

On June 2, 2021, U.S. District Judge Mark Norris sentenced Gonzalez-Espino to 30 months imprisonment to be followed by three years’ supervised release. There is no parole in the federal system. He also faces deportation after completion of his sentence of confinement.

This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Assistant U.S. Attorney Scott Smith prosecuted this case on behalf of the government.

###