Costa Rican National Pleads Guilty to Firearm Possession

According to the indictment, on or about March 10, 2024, RAYO CASTILLO, an alien illegally present in the United States, was found in possession of a nine-millimeter semi-automatic pistol after brandishing that weapon at a patron while at a Kenner, La. restaurant.

At sentencing, RAYO CASTILLO faces up to 15 years imprisonment, up to a $250,000 fine, up to three years of supervised release, and a mandatory $100 special assessment fee. United States District Judge Wendy B. Vitter scheduled sentencing for December 12, 2024.

U.S. Attorney Evans reiterated that an indictment is merely a charge and that the guilt of the defendant must be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.

This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the United States Department of Homeland Security and the Kenner Police Department in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Spiro G. Latsis of the General Crimes Unit oversees the prosecution.